This is a guest post by Rose Marie Baker. If you want to guest post on this blog, see the guidelines here.
With families becoming more environmentally conscious, energy-saving kitchen appliances are exploding in appeal. Although such a device is still a bit expensive, families are attracted to conserve electricity and gas, generate less pollution and protect the environment. In addition, the US government, at both the state and federal levels, entices households to purchase energy-efficient kitchen appliances by rewarding them with incentives, such as rebates. These desirable devices can reduce the amount of water that households use, reduce electricity bills and even help manufacturers use less new construction materials because a high percentage of energy-saving devices energy uses recycled materials and sustainable materials.
Here’s a look at the five most popular eco-protective kitchen appliances.
Energy saving dishwashers
Traditional dishwashers are water and energy hogs, but energy-efficient models save on both of these resources. They use special technology such as soil sensors to assess how dirty the glasses and plates are in order to use enough water and force to clean them. High-tech dishwashers also rely on high-grade water filtration systems that clean and rinse dishes better, regardless of how much detergent is used. Energy-saving dishwashers have unconventional racks that arrange dishes for better cleaning. Finally, they tend to have not only more jets but higher power jets, resulting in improved cleaning and a reduced need for detergent.
Energy saving refrigerators
If you choose an energy-efficient refrigerator, get ready to save between 15 and 20 percent on the electricity used to keep your food fresh or frozen, according to energy experts. These special refrigerators save money by using advanced insulation and better compressors than mainstream refrigerators and older refrigerators. When shopping, some families think that bigger is better for refrigerators because they want to keep those snacks, cans, products, drinks and countless other foods. However, the real energy savers are the smaller refrigerators that measure less than 8 cubic feet; however, even refrigerators that are 16 to 20 cubic feet can save you some money. Steer away from those extravagant 25 to 36 cubic foot models. What’s more, while bottom-mounted double-drawer freezers are in vogue, top-mounted refrigerators save much more energy, Energy Star experts say — up to 25 percent more!
Energy saving freezers
Throwing out your old freezer and buying an energy-efficient one to store overflow frozen meat and vegetables can save you 10 percent on the cost of running your appliance. For any family that buys in bulk during a sale, a freezer that goes next to the fridge or out in the garage is a must. Like fridges, eco-freezers benefit from the latest improvements in compressors and insulation. The most efficient freezers are small, taking up a footprint of 7.75 cubic feet or less.
Energy saving water cooler
They are not just for offices. For people who want to immerse hot or ultra chilled water on demand, water coolers are a great investment for tea, coffee or just a refreshing glass of drinking water. Energy efficient coolers can save households the most electricity of any large appliance – up to 45 percent. The reason that eco-models can cut electrical costs in half is because they use improved insulation that can more easily prevent the transfer of heat from the hot side to the cold side. In addition, they use top-of-the-line chillers.
Energy-saving kitchen lighting
A beautiful kitchen can still look like a dingy without proper lighting. The light, however, that children and absent adults can leave on all the time, can result in a high electricity bill. There are energy-saving models, however, that can combat the waste caused by bad habits. Lights that operate with timers or dimmers can reduce the cost of lighting significantly. These can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times or dim the lights to save money. Save even more by investing in fluorescent lights, recessed lighting or just those spiral-shaped energy-saving light bulbs.
In case you are wondering…
If you’re curious about stoves, they’re currently not as popular as five other energy-saving kitchen appliances and many manufacturers don’t offer full-size eco-friendly stoves. However, there is some money-saving options, such as portable electric stoves, wood stoves and gas tabletop models.
Rose Marie Baker is a freelance writer who loves all things culinary. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her reviewing spices for The House of Herbs.
