Kitchen Appliance Energy consumption and Energy Saving Tips 2013

Did you know that modern day refrigerators consume 75% less energy than those produced in the late 1970’s?

In an energy-conscious, modern world, it’s comforting to know that technological advances are making a positive impact on our environment. From energy-efficient refrigerators to rechargeable electric cars, the world has woken up to the need to “Flex your Power.”

So How Much Electricity Do Appliances Really Use?

Using our kitchen appliances on a daily basis adds up to more energy than you think! Every time you power up one of these appliances, it expends units of energy, also known as kilowatt hours.Over the course of one year, here’s how much energy is expended using household appliances:

• Washing Machine – 480 kilowatt hours per year
• Dishwasher – 500 kilowatt hours per year
• Refrigerator – 800 kilowatt hours per year
• Clothes Dryer – 1,000 kilowatt hours per year
• Water Heater – 2,300 kilowatt hours per year

When you multiply these numbers times quite a few people in the world, you begin to understand why so many people have committed to Go Green! Even the little things you do on a daily basis can help you conserve energy.
How Much Energy Does it Take to Make a Casserole?

If you want to conserve energy in the kitchen, which is the best appliance to use when making a casserole?

• 1 hour in an Electric Oven – 2.0 KWH à costs you $0.16 per casserole
• 50 minutes in a Toaster Oven – .95 KWH à costs you $0.08 per casserole
• 1 hours in an Electric Frying Pan – .9KWH à costs you $0.07 per casserole
• 7 hours in an Electric Crockpot – .7 KWH à costs you $0.06 per casserole
• 15 minutes in a Microwave Oven – .36 KWH à costs you $0.03 per casserole

Looks like the microwave comes in as your cheapest and most energy efficient bet, while the electric oven will utilize the most energy resources. If you want to save energy and money, microwave it!

Energy Saving Tips & Tricks

If you’re ready to go green with your appliances, here are 9 ways to get started:

• 1. Use an electric teapot to boil water, instead of a gas range.
  2. To reduce cooking time, cut food into smaller pieces.
  3. Use a microwave oven whenever you can.
  4. Cover your pots and pans to keep heat in and use less energy.
  5. Grill outdoors.
  6. Thaw food in the fridge, instead of the microwave.
  7. Keep the oven door closed.
  8. Buy appliances that have the Energy Star seal on them.
  9. Use the smallest amount of water possible to boil your food.

To help the planet and lighten the load on your wallet, incorporate one or more of these energy saving tips into your daily routine.

Energy Savers 

When we mentioned the Energy Star seal above, we didn’t mention why buying appliances with this seal is beneficial. Well here are just a few ways Energy Star appliances can help you flex your power.

• Energy Star dishwashers are 25% more efficient than most dishwashers.
• Replacing an old washing machine with an Energy Star Washing Machine uses 15 fewer gallons of water.
• You can save up to $25 per year with an Energy Star Dishwasher when compared to an old dishwasher.

Smart Appliances 

Now that we’ve reviewed how much energy our kitchen appliances use, along with practical ways we can all live a little greener, let’s take a quick look at how our kitchen appliances are starting to lend a hand on their own.

• Miele Smart Dishwasher – this dishwasher contains an “AutoSensor” that detects exactly how much water and detergent to use based on how many dishes are inside. This helps reduce energy use for smaller loads.
• LG Electronics Smart Washing Machine – The day has come where you can monitor your washing machine remotely. It also knows when to run itself: when electricity rates are lowest!

So there you have it. Now that you’re a bit more aware of just how much energy our kitchen appliances use every day, you can take steps toward reducing your energy use.

Check out this great infographic about The Energy Saving Kitchen! 

Tom Papageorge owns Atherton Appliance and BSC Culinary. Tom is passionate about running his two companies that have specialized in kitchen appliances and kitchen remodeling since 1956. He loves cooking and is fond of home organization. Tom lives and works in Atherton, CA.