Appliances
COOKING EFFICIENTLY - In Home Design
- •Choose a stove with the highest energy star rating.
•In general, choose gas cooktops rather than electric. They are cheaper to use, often have more responsive controls and produce less greenhouse emissions.
•A gas cooktop will produce less than half the greenhouse gases of a standard electric unit.
•A gas oven will also usually produce less greenhouse gas than an equivalent quality electric model.
•However some very efficient electric cooktops and ovens are available. Ask your retailer or the manufacturer for information.
•When using gas, kitchen ventilation must be adequate. Use a range hood vented outdoors to get rid of combustion gases and steam.
- •Fan forced ovens are about 30 percent more efficient than conventional units, which can waste up to 90 percent of the energy used.
- •Some electric ovens can be divided into compartments for cooking small items.
- •Look for ovens with high levels of insulation and triple glazed, low-e coated windows.
- •Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily when cooking. •Make sure the door seal is clean and in good condition.
- •Use a microwave when possible rather than an oven, as they use less than half the energy.
- •Try not to over fill the kettle. Boil only the amount of water needed.
- •Use a kettle or gas cooktop to boil water rather than a microwave oven or electric cooktop.
- •Efficient cooking methods such as using pots with fitted lids, simmering instead of boiling and using a pressure cooker will save energy.
- •Match the size of pots to the size of the element or flame.
- •Cook outside on hot days if possible to avoid heating the house.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES and Home Design
- •Electrical appliances account for about 25 percent of household energy use.
- •Choose an appliance with the highest efficiency rating.
- •Sometimes an efficient appliance may cost a little more to •buy, but it will soon pay for itself in reduced energy bills.
- •Buy appliances that are the right size for you. A larger model will use more energy than a smaller one with the same star rating. Always check the energy label for the number of kWh (units of electricity) used per year.
- •Locate appliances that use hot water as close to the hot water service as possible to reduce heat losses in pipes.
- Use cold wash cycles and other energy saving features.