On this page, we discuss the following ways to save energy as you use your kitchen:
Click a link in the list above to jump to that topic on this page.
Thawing food – Thaw food in the fridge. Put that frozen turkey to work for you! Reuse the energy spent to freeze your food by using it to help keep your fridge cool as it thaws.
You will also save on the energy needed to defrost the food item in an oven or microwave. An added benefit: thawing food in the refrigerator minimizes the growth of harmful bacteria.
Cooling leftovers – Do not put warm leftovers in to the fridge or freezer. Your appliance will have to expend energy just to cool the food to room temperature. Let the heat from cooking dissipate first, then put them in to chill.
Appliances
Separate appliances – Never place your fridge next to a “hot” appliance like a stove or dishwasher. Your fridge will have to consume more energy to keep cool with a heat source next to it.
Smaller appliances – Smaller appliances use less energy. Many meals can be easily and efficiently cooked in an electric frying pan or toaster oven. Electric kettles are the best choice for boiling water. Downsizing your appliance use will add up to big energy savings.
EnerGuide – Buying energy efficient appliances is easy with Energy Star and EnerGuide labels.
Major electrical household appliances sold in Canada must meet minimum energy efficiency standards and are required to display an EnerGuide label. The labels show you how much electricity the appliance consumes in one year, and how the appliance compares to similar models in terms of energy consumption.
Fridge & freezer
Shut the door – We’re all guilty of “window shopping” for snacks. Leaving your fridge door open as you browse lets the cold air out and the warm air in. Once again, more energy must be spent to re-cool your fridge. Decide — then open the door.
Door seal – Test the door seal by putting a piece of paper between the door and the seal. If the bill falls down when the door is closed, your door needs to be corrected.
Fridge coils – Clean fridge coils will dissipate heat more efficiently than those blanketed in a thick layer of dust. Vacuum the dust from the coils and underneath the unit periodically.
Stove & oven
Use lids – Unless the recipe calls for an uncovered pot or pan, always use lids to trap heat, speed cooking time, and save energy.
Size your pan – Your range has different-sized elements for a reason! Match the size of your pot or pan to the element for greater efficiency and more even cooking heat.
Turn off – Once the food is cooked, the oven will stay warm enough to keep your food piping hot with the oven off.
The same goes for food prepared on the stovetop. Cooked through? Keep it covered and shut the heat off.
Dishwasher
Settings – Use the “energy saver” setting on your dishwasher. Always choose to save energy, water and money!
Air dry dishes – Prop open the door and dry your dishes — without spending a cent! The warm, moist air will be welcome during dry winter conditions. During the summer, minimize the heat added to your home by running the washer during the evening and skipping the heat-generating dry cycle.
Fill er’ up – Load your dishwasher full before running it. Remember, the machine uses the same amount of water and energy to wash a few dishes as it does for a full load. The same goes for laundry!
