In the Kitchen

Saving in the kitchen

It runs 24/7, so it's important to make sure it’s energy efficient.

Choose a fridge with a top star energy rating label. This could save up to 4.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas and a whopping $450 over its lifetime.
Open the fridge door only when necessary. Take out or put back several items at a time to preserve the cold air inside and save energy.
An old fridge could be using three times the energy of a new one.
Is a 'beer fridge' really necessary? A rarely-used second fridge can cost more than $200 a year in energy bills.
Fridges operate at peak efficiency when full.
Locate your fridge in a cool place away from the oven (and the sun).
If your fridge has coils at the back, make sure there’s enough space for ventilation.
Each year, defrost chest freezers once or twice and upright models twice or three times, to keep them running at peak efficiency.
Fridge door seals should be completely air tight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper so that it's half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper out easily, the hinge may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.

It may get things squeaky clean, but how much energy is it using to do so?

Choose a dishwasher with a top star energy rating label.
A half-filled dishwasher uses the same energy as a full one, so make sure you have a full load before running the next cycle.
Turn your dishwasher off before the drying cycle. Open the door, and allow the dishes to air dry.
Always follow manufacturer instructions to obtain peak efficiency. Pack dishes correctly and be sure there are no large items preventing the wash arms from rotating.
Use small load or half load options, short wash cycles or rinse-only cycles for maximum energy efficiency.

Here's how to whip up an energy-efficient feast in the kitchen!

Microwaves, electric fry pans and pressure cookers are more energy efficient than the oven.
Thaw frozen foods thoroughly to save energy and cooking time.
Keep the oven door completely closed until food is cooked. Try not to open the oven door while baking.
Fan forced ovens use less energy than conventional ovens, reducing baking times significantly.
Cook vegies in just enough water to create steam, saving the energy required to boil more water than is necessary. More nutritionally valuable, too!
Pressure cookers save approximately 25% of energy used in a standard convection oven.
Always use the right pot or pan size for your hotplates, and cook with the lids on.
Use a small amount of water in pots and bring liquid to boil quickly on a high setting, then turn the heat down so food simmers while cooking.
Use your jug or kettle to boil water, rather than the stove.

Gradually replace old, expensive-to-run appliances with new appliances that have high energy star ratings.

The more stars your appliance has, the more energy efficient it will be - and the lower the running costs.

Over ten years, you could save up to $1,400 and prevent up to 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.