Energy saving tips for your kitchen

15 May 2016

PINERGY puts you back in control of your spending. Here are some useful electricity saving tips to help you maximise your savings.

Set your dishwasher at 50 degrees celsius or ‘low’. (Check your manufacturer’s manual first to see if you can use 50 degrees water)
Wash only full loads and use the shortest cycle to get your dishes clean.
Turn off the dishwasher after the wash and rinse cycles.
When dishes air dry, you’ll save on heating costs. On newer models, use the heat-off setting or the energy-saver dry option.
Your dishwasher will operate more efficiently if you unclog the drain of food particles and clean it weekly.

Your refrigerator/freezer uses more electricity than any other appliance in your kitchen so avoid opening the door to browse. Each time you do, cold air escapes and your energy costs increase.
Let hot foods cool before putting them in your refrigerator or freezer as hot foods cause the motor to work longer and harder.
Leave room in front of your refrigerator/freezer to allow cold air to circulate better. Because frozen food stays cold longer than air, it’s good to keep your freezer full, but not packed.
You’ll save energy by placing water-filled containers in empty spaces.
Running two refrigerators increases your energy bill plus, older refrigerators are less efficient than new ones.

Thaw foods and cut vegetables into small pieces. They’ll take less time to cook.
Put lids on pots and pans and make sure they’re the right size for the burners. Foods will cook faster and use less energy.
Preheat the oven only when the recipe calls for it.Use glass and ceramic dishes. They hold heat better and you can lower the oven temperature 50 degrees.

The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for toasting bread.
When making tea or coffee boil only the amount of water required, just make sure the heating elements of electric kettles are covered.

Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water instead of hot to save on water heating costs. Use a cold water detergent.
Set the water level on your washing machine to match the size of the load and save two ways – on water and energy.
You’ll save more by waiting until you have a full load before you wash.
Add the right amount of detergent.
Too many suds make your washing machine work harder and use more energy.

Fill your clothes dryer, but don’t overload it.
Your clothes will dry faster when they have room to tumble.
Over-drying wears out your clothes and wastes energy.
Stop your dryer when the laundry is dry by setting the timer or using the auto dry cycle.
Your dryer’s lint trap helps warm air flow better and dries your clothes faster.
Make sure to clean it after each load.