In the Kitchen: Energy Efficient Appliances

As a follow up to our last post, here are some more ideas to get the most out of your kitchen appliances, energy-wise.

Here are a few simple tips from IDT Energy to help you get started making your kitchen as energy efficient as possible:

• Measure the space you have set aside for your new appliance. Then measure the appliance to make sure it will fit and that there is enough space to open doors or lid, and that there is enough room for proper ventilation.

• It is not enough to only consider the price of the appliance. Check how much the appliance costs to run, and be sure to purchase the most energy efficient that you can.

• Check with the sales person if there are any special offers such as cash rebates, low-interest loans or other incentives to purchase a more energy efficient model.

• Be sure to read the Energy Guide, the black and yellow sticker that the FTC requires be placed on all new appliances, (with the exception of kitchen ranges, microwave ovens and dryers.) Reading this guide helps consumers to compare the different models and make the most informed choices about the energy they will be using and the money they will be spending when they bring the new appliance into their home.

Becoming an informed consumer will help you save money and save energy.

Do-It-Yourself Energy Assessments: IDT Energy

In order to find ways to save on your energy costs, you can always conduct a do-it-yourself energy assessment. Certainly, you may also want to look for a new energy supplier like IDT Energy if you live in a state that has deregulation.
A do-it-yourself energy assessment includes a simple walk-through of the home where you will look for problems, air leaks, and more. Keep paper with you and a checklist of the area so that you can keep track of what you have inspected and problems that you discovered. For a more extensive energy assessment, you can always hire someone to come to the home for an evaluation.
Your energy assessment should include locating any air leaks, looking at insulation, evaluating your heating and cooling units, and taking a look at your lighting. You can read up on each area to find out exactly how to evaluate your usage and your needs, and how to make improvements based on your findings.