Saving Electricity In The Kitchen

Use the tips on these pages to guide electricity saving in the kitchen to save money and reduce CO2 emissions. For more information on these tips check out the electricty saving section.

-No Cost Tips

- Low Cost Tips

- Higher Cost or More Difficult Tips

Cooker & Hob		Switch off the cooker at the wall when not in use
		Modern electronic cookers can have a standby consumption of up to 30W costing around 30p a quarter to run. Resetting the clock is a small price to pay when turning them off at the mains when not in use.
		If you have 2 ovens use the smallest one whenever possible
		Smaller ovens take less energy to heat up and maintain the temperature
		Switch off gas hob mains powered electric igniters when not in use
		This is an item most people forget.
Cooking		Only use just enough water to cover vegetables when cooking
		The more water you use the more energy is required to heat it up.
		Use a lid on saucepans and frying pans
		This could save over 50% of the heat being used.
		Match the saucepan size to the cooking ring in use
		Small saucepans on a large ring mean wasted heat and electricity.
		Only boil as much water as you need In the kettle
		Filling the kettle full each time you boil it can waste around £3 a quarter.
		Use a pressure cooker or steamer to cook vegetables and puddings
		This is an efficient way to cook especially if you use tiered steamers to cook several things at once.
Dishwasher		Load the machine to capacity
		Use an economy cycle for part loads. Use the minimum length wash cycle which will get items clean and minimise electricity use.
		Keep the machine clean
		Partially blocked drainage means wasted electricity as the pump has to work harder.
		Invest in a new machine
		If yours is very old, choosing the most efficient one possible.
Extractor Fan		Switch the extractor fan off as soon as it has done it's job
		It's easy to forget to turn them off.
		Keep the extractor fan vent flaps clean and check they open and close easily
		This minimises the back pressure on the fan and hence reduces electricity use.
		Fit an extractor fan that turns itself off automatically
		So that it is only on when needed.
Fridge And Freezer		Keep the fridge and freezer full and cooling surfaces clean and free from dust
		Use sealed containers to fill any unused space. Dirty heat exchangers (radiators) on the back need a regular clear to keep the efficiency high. Defrost the freezer regularly and don't put hot food in the fridge. Keep the fridge and freezer away from cookers and radiators. Keep the door seal clean to ensure a good seal and minimise loss.
		Don't set fridge and freezer temeratures too low
		Use 6 degrees Centigrade for fridges and -18 degrees Centigrade for freezers.
Lighting		Switch off lights when the room Is empty
		A hundred watt light bulb switched on for one hour every day costs over £1 a quarter to run. A low energy bulb switched on for one hour a day costs around 20p a quarter to run.
		Make sure curtains and blinds are fully drawn back/open
		To maximise natural light
		If the kitchen is bightly lit try lower power bulbs
		Often the lighting in rooms is brighter than needed
		Replace all bulbs possible with low energy ones
		There are now plenty of types available in low energy format.
		Use light colours when redecorating rooms
		Light coloured rooms require less power to light them. This works especially well in north facing rooms or rooms with small windows.
		Split control of lights where there are more than one in a room
		If a room has more than one light (in different positions) have them rewired to enable them to be controlled separately
		Replace light fittings where there are no suitable energy efficient bulbs available
		Obvious targets for this are multiple spot lamp fittings typically found in kitchens.
Microwave		Switch it off when not in use
Microwave		Resetting the clock is a small price to pay.
Television		Switch it off at the socket when not in use
		A television left on for two hours a day can cost between £1 and £6 a quarter to run depending on the age and size.
		If the microwave has an oven capability use it in preference to the main oven
		Microwave ovens are typically more efficient than ordinary ovens and are better for heating small amounts of food.
Mobile Phone Chargers		Don't leave them switched on when not in use
Mobile Phone Chargers		If possible run the charger(s) overnight to take advantage of cheap rate electricity BUT remember to use a time switch as they only take 2 to 3 hours to charge. This works best for more than one charger.
Washing Machines		Load washing machines to capacity
		Rather than using the machine half full, wait till there is a full load. They can use around 60 litres a wash.
		Invest in a new machine
		If yours is very old, choosing the most efficient one possible.
WIreless Telephones		Consider replacing mains powered wireless phones with a conventional one
WIreless Telephones		The chargers for these use a small amount of power continuously.