Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances Guide

If you’re in the market for new kitchen appliances, whether it’s for a remodel or because your old equipment has decided to retire, it’s a smart move to opt for energy-efficient options that are environmentally friendly. This not only contributes to reducing emissions linked to global warming but also aids in trimming down your energy bills.

Now, the question is, where do you begin when it comes to eco-friendly and energy-efficient appliance shopping? Let this brief guide provide you with the essential information you need.

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances Guide

How To Choose Energy Efficient Appliances?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a shopping for appliances page that encourages us to buy energy-efficient appliances to cut emissions and make long-term savings on our bills. 

As you embark on the journey of appliance shopping, the Department advises you to keep two price tags in mind. The initial one pertains to the purchase price, akin to a down payment. The second tag represents the operational cost of the appliance over its lifespan.

That second price tag will be a recurring expense, reflected in your monthly utility bills for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of appliance. For instance, refrigerators typically last around 12 years, clothes washers about 11 years, and room air conditioners approximately nine years.

When navigating the aisles, pay attention to labels and features that can guide you towards appliances with a lower operating cost. Here’s what you should be aware of.

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1. Check the Labels

When perusing appliances, keep an eye out for Energy Star labels, specifically designed to assist consumers in identifying the most energy-efficient products. These labels are not exclusive to appliances but can also be found on items like windows, water heaters, and various electronics. Additionally, EnergyGuide labels, easily recognizable by their yellow and black design, provide information on an appliance’s average annual energy consumption and operating cost, facilitating easy comparisons.

In the UK, a different system has been in place since 2021. Dishwashers, fridges, and freezers receive labels ranging from A (high efficiency) to G (low efficiency), while ovens and microwaves are graded from A+++ to D. Joanna O’Loan, knowledge manager at the UK’s Energy Saving Trust, explains that the appliance rating is determined by comparing how much energy it uses in typical use to similar appliances.

2. Opt for Appropriate Appliance Sizes

Selecting appliances of the right size is crucial. Consider this: a washing machine or dishwasher that’s too large and consistently run half-empty is less efficient compared to a smaller appliance that you can always use to its full capacity. Similarly, a fully stocked refrigerator operates more efficiently than one that remains perpetually empty.

Joanna O’Loan highlights the importance of considering size when assessing energy efficiency, noting that while large and small fridges may share the same energy rating, the larger model could consume more electricity. It’s advisable to seek out a product with the best energy rating for the specific size you require.

Conversely, undersizing air conditioning units for your home is also inefficient. If they are too small, they’ll need to run for longer durations and exert more effort to cool your living space.

3. Embrace Eco-Friendly Practices with Your Appliances

Discovering eco-friendly features, such as those found in dishwasher settings, can assist you in using your appliances in a more environmentally conscious manner. Likewise, opting for lower temperatures when doing laundry can contribute to energy savings. Making the switch from a tumble dryer to a dehumidifier not only conserves energy but also reduces costs. When shopping for a refrigerator, consider models with the freezer either above or below, as opposed to side-by-side, for a generally more efficient choice.

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances Guide

4. Explore Smart Appliances

As per the Department of Energy (DoE), smart appliances exhibit a higher level of energy efficiency compared to those not connected to or controlled by smart electric meters or home energy management systems. The reason lies in their ability to optimize electricity usage during off-peak hours.

The DoE emphasizes that smart appliances don’t simply shut down during peak electricity demand; instead, they employ subtle adjustments to shift energy consumption. For instance, your air conditioner might run slightly less frequently, or your water heater could adapt its heating cycle to operate during periods of lower energy costs, all without compromising performance. Additionally, scheduling your laundry or dishwasher to run when electricity rates and demand are lower is another way these smart appliances enhance efficiency.

5. Select a Energy-Efficient Dishwasher

When it comes to your kitchen appliances, the dishwasher is likely to be one of the most energy-intensive. It’s worthwhile to operate it with a full load each time and utilize an eco program.

As mentioned earlier, opting for appliances with an eco setting is a smart move for energy efficiency. These settings typically use significantly less water and offer cold wash options that don’t require energy to heat water.

Sian Bailey, dishwasher category manager for Miele, highlights their commitment to energy efficiency, stating, “Over the last 20 years, Miele has reduced the energy consumption of its dishwashers by 44%, and Miele dishwashers have only used six liters of water for many years compared to an average of 10-12 liters for other dishwashers.”

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6. Choose a Refrigerator with Eco-Friendly Features

When in the market for a refrigerator, it’s important to note that this appliance is likely the most energy-intensive one in your kitchen. While fridges and freezers must remain on continuously, there are strategies to minimize energy consumption. Avoid overloading, limit the frequency of opening and closing the door, and utilize the ‘holiday mode’ to conserve energy when you’re away.

Lee Harrington, connected home group manager at BSH Home Appliances Group, suggests considering an app-controlled smart fridge freezer. “If you accidentally leave the door open, you’ll receive a reminder to shut it via the app,” he explains. “And, if you select SuperCooling and SuperFreezing modes via the app as you leave the supermarket with your shopping, by the time you get home, the temperature of the fridge and freezer will be lower than usual, offsetting the rise in temperature when you open the door to load groceries.”

7. Cook with Energy Efficiency in Mind

Modern ovens come well-insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss and generally boast favorable energy ratings. Nevertheless, there are additional features worth considering.

“For those in a rush, rapid heat-up options may seem tempting, but those with more time can opt for the more efficient eco mode, which gradually heats food, avoiding the initial surge,” advises Lucy Dunstan, product manager at Smeg.

Enhance efficiency by cooking multiple dishes simultaneously and minimizing the frequency of opening the oven door.

“Induction hobs are regarded as more energy-efficient than other types,” Lucy adds. The induction process focuses on heating only the base of the pan, reducing heat loss and maximizing energy efficiency.

Additionally, using a microwave whenever possible is a more energy-efficient alternative to using an oven since only the food, not the entire oven, is heated.

8. Kettle or Boiling Water Tap

Whether you’re in the market for the best electric kettle or contemplating a boiling water tap, there are energy-saving considerations to keep in mind. One simple tip for kettles is to avoid overfilling, as it can help save energy. Alternatively, you might explore the option of investing in a boiling water tap, which offers energy efficiency benefits, as highlighted by Stephen Johnson, managing director of Quooker.

“Considering the average kettle uses 2,200W to boil 1.7 liters of water and is used several times a day, only 10W per day (rather than per use) is needed to keep the water in the Quooker high-vacuum insulation tank at boiling point, ready to deliver boiling water instantly.”

Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances Guide

9. Enhance Energy Efficiency on Laundry Day

Opting for energy-efficient washers can lead to significant reductions in both energy and water bills. While these appliances may come with a higher upfront cost, the best ones have the potential to save up to $200 over their lifetime.

The experts at the Energy Savings Trust recommend washing only when you have a full load and using lower temperatures to maximize your savings.

Tumble dryers, known for their energy consumption, also offer opportunities for savings. Investing in an energy-efficient dryer can result in substantial savings, potentially up to $782 on energy bills over its lifetime. Beyond the energy label, consider dryers with sensors that alert you when your clothes are dry, preventing unnecessary operation. Additionally, exploring options like electric heat pump or gas tumble dryers, both more efficient alternatives, can contribute to energy savings.

Alternatively, as mentioned earlier, opting for one of the best dehumidifiers can be a more energy-efficient choice. Drying clothes outdoors when feasible is also a straightforward way to conserve energy.

What Uses the Most Energy?

Appliances that involve heating or cooling are the major energy consumers, placing refrigerators, air conditioning units, home heating, and ovens at the forefront. Following closely are laundry appliances, which also rank as high energy consumers.

How Can I Improve the Energy Efficiency of My Appliances?

Regardless of whether your appliances are designed to be energy-efficient, keeping them on standby mode can lead to increased energy consumption and higher bills (with an average household spending around $90 on appliances on standby).

Fortunately, there are various products on the market to assist in reducing standby electricity consumption. Standby savers, for instance, enable you to switch off all your appliances from standby in one go. Some of these devices come equipped with timers, while others feature a single off-switch, offering convenient options for managing standby power usage, as advised by the experts at the Energy Saving Trust.

FAQs

Energy-efficient kitchen appliances not only contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption but also help lower your utility bills in the long run. They are designed to operate more efficiently, offering both economic and environmental benefits.

Look for Energy Star labels and EnergyGuide labels on appliances. Energy Star labels are indicators of the most energy-efficient products, while EnergyGuide labels provide information on an appliance’s average annual energy consumption and operating cost, allowing for easy comparisons.

Yes, choosing the right size is crucial. Oversized appliances, like washing machines or refrigerators, can be less efficient if not used to their full capacity. On the other hand, fitting air conditioning units that are too small for your space can also lead to inefficiency.

Utilize eco-settings on appliances like dishwashers, wash laundry at lower temperatures, and consider swapping out traditional tumble dryers for more energy-efficient options like dehumidifiers. Additionally, choosing a refrigerator with the freezer above or below (instead of side-by-side) can enhance efficiency.

Yes, smart appliances can be more energy-efficient, especially when connected to smart electric meters or home energy management systems. They enable optimized energy usage during off-peak hours, contributing to overall efficiency.

To cook with energy efficiency in mind, consider using ovens with eco modes, cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, and minimizing the frequency of opening the oven door. Induction hobs are also considered more energy-efficient than other types.

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