Many people don't realize it, but much of the energy you use in your home is consumed in your kitchen. Between the lighting, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and more, you can easily see how energy is used quickly. By remodeling your kitchen with energy efficiency in mind, you will realize savings on your monthly utility bills and peace of mind from knowing you are being more eco-friendly. Here are a few tips to making your kitchen more green.
Proper Planning
As with any remodeling project, it starts with the planning. To make your kitchen more energy efficient you should first evaluate what your true needs are. Does your family really need the restaurant sized freezer? Do you cook enough to justify double ovens? By right-sizing your kitchen appliances you will be sure you aren't wasting energy. This carries over to your personal energy as well. As you wasting time trying to find items in the back of a cabinet shelf? Is there not enough counter workspace for your household to prepare meals without bumping into each other? Solutions such as pull-out shelves and a center work island can fix these two problems. By managing how you use your kitchen, you will be better prepared to plan a greener kitchen that maximizes time, efficiency, and energy.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Older appliances consume a lot of energy, up to 40% more than today's models. The EPA has established the Energy Star Logo for consumers to easily identify appliances that save energy and money. Each appliance actually lists the dollar savings you can expect. Consider installing an oven with a convection mode. These models can cook in a fraction of the time traditional ovens takes. Likewise, induction cook tops are now on the market that can cut boiling time of water from 10 minutes to less than 2 minutes. All of these add up to saving you time and money. Lastly, don't overlook that dishwasher. Dual drawer dishwashers allow you to wash smaller loads and conserve water. There is no need for pre-washing in the newest models, which will also save water usage.
The All-Electric Kitchen for Savings
A new trend in green kitchens is converting to all-electric kitchens. Gas stoves and cook tops not only can emit toxic fumes into your home, but they case waste excess energy. Converting to smaller, more energy efficient electric appliances will make a big difference.
Lighting
Since we spend so much time in our kitchens, chances are the lights are always on. When remodeling your kitchen to incorporate greener elements plan your lighting accordingly. Install lights over work areas where they are needed. Having proper lighting will eliminate the need to illuminate the entire kitchen. Choosing LED and CFL lights and bulbs will decrease energy usage. Also, don't overlook taking advantage of natural lighting. Enlarging windows or installing skylights can brighten up your kitchen and make lighting use unnecessary during daylight hours.
Insulation/Ventilation
Having proper insulation and venting in your kitchen will make your HVAC run more efficiently. You air quality will also be healthier and cooking smells will be eliminated faster. If you do have any gas appliances, the noxious fumes need to be properly vented for safety reasons. A professional contractor can ensure all windows, doors, venting and ductwork are properly sealed and your HVAC system is running properly.
All of the above steps will help you make your kitchen more green. You will also enjoy lower monthly utility bills, a healthier and cleaner kitchen, and more efficient use of your time when preparing and cleaning up after meals. A professional contractor can assist you with planning your remodel to maximize energy efficiency and oversee the entire project.
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Article by Jennifer Weldon
