Making It The Green Heart Of Your Home

The kitchen is the room in the house where we spend time with friends and family while we cook, talk and eat. It is also the room where we generate the most garbage, making it the room in the house having the most impacts on the environment. Whether it is the inefficient fridge, or the water usage, we have the tips and advice to help make your kitchen the green heart of the home.

Fridges and Freezers
Purchasing a new fridge or freezer is a big investment. However, so can an older model fridge. Purchase energy-efficient models that have the Energy Star label on them. An Energy Star rated fridge uses 50% less energy than older fridges. If you are in the market for a new fridge, consider purchasing those with freezers on the top or bottom since they use 7% to 13% less energy than the popular side-by-side models (like the GE Profile Refrigerator with Armoire Styling

Got a lot of food you need to store? Consider purchasing Energy Star freezers that allow you to freeze healthy food, saving it for when you need it. Chest freezers are a good alternative, since they release less cold air when opened than upright models. Purchase the size that suits your needs; typically the larger the freezer, the more energy it uses.

Fridge Tips

• Features like ice-makers increase energy requirements by up to 20% and can have a costly repair bill
• Buy a fridge that is not bigger than what you need. The size of a fridge matters when it comes to energy consumption. The rule of thumb: 12 cubic feet for one or two people, and 14 to 17 cubic feet for three to four people. Tip Add 2 cubic feet to each additional person in the household.
• Don't make your fridge work more than it needs to. Keeping your fridge away from heat sources such as radiators, heating vents, kitchen ranges, dishwashers and direct sunlight will help lower your energy bill.
• Fill a freezer to its capacity, but do not overfill since it blocks air circulation, forcing the fridge to work harder to keep food cool.
• Check the door seal of the fridge or freezer. Adjust or replace the seal if it's not tightly in place.
• Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than what is necessary.

Stoves and Ovens
When shopping for a new stove or oven, you can determine which of the models is the better one by comparing the amount of kilowatts used per year, listed on the EnerGuide sticker. Gas ranges are more energy efficient than electric. If you prefer electric stoves over gas ranges, consider those that
have ovens with no coils, since they are more efficient than the old-fashioned types.

Dishwashers
Dishwashers are convenient and help you save money. Newer models help you save both water and energy, which means bonus cash in the bank! New Energy Star-rated models use
25% less energy than older models, helping to save on water, and some even automatically dispense the right amount of detergent, like the GE SmartDispense dishwasher.

Dishwasher Tips:

• Save on water by scraping food off plates than pre-rinsing them.
• To save on even more energy, use the shortest cycle for lightly soiled loads.
• Air-dry dishes instead of choosing the option on the dishwasher.
• Don't overload: this can lead to poor water circulation and dirty dishes
• Check and clean drains and filters regularly