by Magnet Trade has reported that searches for “how to lower energy costs” have increased by 81 percent in the past month. From preparing meals to doing laundry and laundry, the kitchen consumes the most energy in the household. With this in mind, the experts at Magnet Trade have shared 10 practical ways to reduce your energy bills this winter. They comment: “As it is the hotspot of your home’s energy consumption, changing your kitchen habits can be the starting point for a significant reduction in energy bills. You don’t have to cut back on certain activities. It’s about being aware of the most efficient way of doing things that helps limit unnecessary energy waste, which means savings over time.”
1. Clean the kitchen appliances in winter
According to experts, if kitchen appliances and equipment are not cleaned regularly, they are likely to work much harder than necessary, “increasing energy use and exposing them to the risk of breakage”.
They explained: “For example, a dirty oven is less energy efficient because heat is absorbed by soot and grease deposits instead of food. Refrigerator condenser coils are another area that, if not cleaned, will make it difficult for the cold room to maintain food-safe temperatures. Not only does this cost you money on your energy bill, but it can have serious consequences for food safety.
2. Defrost the freezer
Refrigerators and freezers, which are on 24/7, are the “most energy-hungry things” found in kitchens. Experts warned: “If your freezer is defrosting regularly, it can add £150 to your bill a year, as the more ice built up in the freezer, the more work its motor has to do, which means more energy.”
3. Use air pressure cookers and microwaves
Ovens can be an inefficient way of cooking because they heat a relatively large space. Therefore, it is best to choose to use a microwave oven or an air pressure cooker whenever possible.
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Experts said: “Using a microwave, pressure cooker or deep fryer can save you a lot of money on your bills as they are a much more energy efficient and quicker method of cooking. For example, a baked potato can take 70 minutes in the oven, 60 minutes in the air pressure cooker and eight minutes in the microwave.
4. Be oven savvy and turn it off in time
Amid soaring energy and gas bills, many people are trying to avoid cooking in the oven. However, they don’t need to avoid it completely, but rather think more effectively about how to actually use it.
Experts advised: “If you have a double oven, use the smaller one whenever possible, as it uses less energy to heat and maintain the temperature. Try to cook several dishes at once and do not open the door to watch the food being cooked. This results in heat escaping from the furnace and having to work harder to replace it.
“Another good tip is to turn off the oven in time. Ovens usually maintain the required temperature for up to 10 minutes after being switched off, and residual heat means that food is still cooking. This means you can save 10 minutes of energy without sacrificing cooking.”
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5. Use the right size stove ring for your pan
Although it’s tempting to put a small pan on a large hob to cook it faster, homeowners should always match the size of the burner to the size of the pot they’re using “otherwise you’ll waste energy from the heat escaping around it”. , said the experts.
They explained: “If you see an electric ring or a gas flame when you look at the pan from above, it’s heating the kitchen air, not the pan – so a 15cm pan with a 20cm ring could be wasting 25 per cent of the energy used. Switching to a smaller ring can save you a surprising amount of money .”
6. Not in use? Turn it off
Many people believe that turning electronics on and off uses more energy than leaving them on. This may have been true at one point, but today the energy used to start the device is minimal compared to the constant drain when it is turned on.
Experts said: “‘Vampire appliances’ such as TVs and coffee makers left on standby are constantly consuming energy to be ready for immediate use. Make it a household habit to turn off or unplug appliances when not in use so they don’t add to your utility bills.”
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7. Hermit chef and meal preparation
When you prepare as much food as possible at one time, people save time and energy than preparing many different meals. The pros advised: “Eat what you need, portion out the rest and freeze it. Plus, there’s nothing like cooking a home-cooked meal when you need it.”
8. Always charge your device
According to experts, household appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers consume the same amount of energy regardless of whether they are half-empty or full. Experts said: “So try to only use them when they are full to avoid wasting energy and weekly running loads.
“Also take advantage of the energy-efficient settings of your devices. For example, the eco-use of a dishwasher saves 20 percent more energy by heating water more slowly and during a longer cycle.
9. Cook only what you need in the pot
Many people don’t know that overfilling the kettle more than you need consumes energy. Most kettles have a scale on the side that shows how far to fill them, depending on how many cups you need. Using this guide will help reduce unnecessary energy and water use.
It is also a good idea to invest in a more energy-efficient kettle or hot water tap to reduce energy bills. The experts pointed out: “Instant hot water taps can use up to 50 percent less energy than traditional kettles and you only use the amount of water you need.”
10. Invest in energy-efficient equipment
While energy-efficient appliances can be more expensive, they “significantly reduce your energy bills in the long run” and transform your home with technology that lasts longer and is more reliable, professionals say.
They said: “Fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and hobs are the top five appliances to consider when upgrading. For example, an F-Class 70/30 287 Fridge-Freezer uses 725kWh per year, so its annual running costs are £143. Upgrade Example Class D 70/30 for a 294 liter fridge-freezer and uses 156 kWh per year, costing just £81.12 per year.
“Although a gas stove costs less than an induction or electric stove, making an induction switch can save you money due to its faster cooking time and significantly better energy efficiency. In induction cooking, up to 90 percent of the energy used is transferred to the food, compared to 40 percent of the gas.
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