Home energy efficiency can save your money and energy all year, but it can be hard to know where to begin or what to do. If you search in the correct locations, you’ll find that your kitchen contains a lot of energy-saving options. And with proper energy audit of your kitchen, you might get eligible for Mass Save program. Sosave energy and money both.
MAKE YOUR KITCHEN ENERGY EFFICIENT WITH THESE TIPS
1. Set Up LED Lighting
LED lights consume at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, and this is according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Energy-efficient LEDs emit almost no heat, but incandescent emit 90% of their consumed energy as heat. Switching to LED bulbs will lead to significant savings every time you turn on the lights in your kitchen, whether it’s the central lighting fixture or smaller accent or function lights. Just imagine- the typical American home holds 40 light sockets, and if we substitute them with LED bulbs, more than $100 per year is beneficial for a homeowner.
2. Advanced Power Strips Usage
Is your espresso machine or microwave constantly turned on? The typical U.S. house has approximately 65 electrical gadgets plugged in, and even when your equipment is completely unplugged, they continue to bleed electricity. As per the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), equipment in inactive mode accounts for over 23% of all power utilized in American homes! Consider using an advanced power strip to minimize your phantom electricity cost if you have a counter with loads of equipment. Phantom loads can cost an average family up to $200 per year in energy bills, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Establish A Faucet Aerator
By forming a combination of air and water, a faucet aerator limits the water flow from your sink without affecting function. According to the NRDC, the faucet aerator minimizes water flow from 2.2 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute or less and makes users run the faucet for a long time while consuming less water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)., replacing inefficient faucets and aerators saves up to 700 gallons of water each year for an average family.
Switch On the Ceiling Fan
In your kitchen, do you have a ceiling fan? If yes, assure it’s rotating clockwise — it is true, there are ceiling fans designed for winter. Adjust your ceiling fan on a low setting to circulate warm air from the ceiling to where you and your family are in the kitchen. For better functioning of ceiling fans, the ceiling height should at least be 8 feet, and this is according to the U.S. DOE. Don’t you have a ceiling fan in the cooking area? Use the same concept in the different rooms of your home!
Utilize Use Of The Dishwasher
Did you know that operating an energy-efficient dishwasher costs approximately $35 per year? If you assume that washing by hand benefits your effort and money, think twice! As per Energy Mass Save, using an energy-efficient dishwasher instead of hand-washing your dishes will save you nearly $130 every year on your energy expenses. When using a dishwasher, it can take as little as 3 gallons every load and as much as 27 gallons when washing by hand. Simply washing full loads every time can prevent 100 pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the environment each year.
Reduce the temperature of your water heater.
18 % of household energy usage is because of the production of hot water, and it is according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). You use hot water for dishwashing and other duties even if your water heater is not in your kitchen. You can reduce the cost by reducing the setting on your water heater without compromising the heat you rely on in the kitchen – and throughout your home! Many households have their water heaters set to 140 degrees, even though 120 degrees is sufficient for most domestic duties.
Check Your Fridge
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NDRC), refrigerator owned by more than one-third of American households is more than a decade old, which is more than ten years old. A certified energy-efficient refrigerator is around 9% more efficient than standard models, according to Energy Mass Save, and may save you about $220 over a decade or so of use. Keeping your fridge away from heating resources like limiting the length of time the doors are open, an oven, providing adequate space for circulation behind the appliance, and inspecting the door seals for leaks are some energy-saving tips.
Obtain Energy-Saving Windows
30% of heating and cooling energy usage of homes is because of heat gain and heat loss through residential windows, and this is according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Don’t you want to replace your windows? Air sealing is a terrific method to save energy and money, and it’s available to Massachusetts citizens at no cost. Your house will be more comfortable throughout the year, and you’ll save money. Curtains can also save you money and energy throughout the year. According to the U.S. DOE, a standard curtain can prevent heat loss from a heated room by up to 10% in the cold. Close all window coverings at night and leave them closed throughout the day on windows that don’t get much light.
Conclusion:
A no-cost Home Energy Assessment can assist you in making your kitchen (or entire home) more energy efficient. It’s free for Massachusetts homeowners and renters, and it includes improved power strips, faucet aerators, and air sealing for free of cost. There are also 0% financing alternatives and other incentives available for home energy efficiency improvements. So contact Energy Mass Save now for quick and most reliable energy audit of your home.