The kitchen is the heart of the house, it’s where dinners are made, the laughs are had over dinner and where many a problem is solved over a cup of tea. So how much does it cost to run per month and what appliances use the most electricity?
Top energy saving kitchen tips
There are a few simple things you can do to help keep the costs down.
Dishwasher
- Washing a full load is more energy efficient.
- Use a short or economy wash cycle whenever possible.
Washing machine
- Washing a full load is more energy efficient.
- Use the half load cycle for less than full loads.
- Wash at 40oC or lower whenever possible.
- Reducing the wash temperature of a full load from 60oC to 40oC can save up to 110kWh per year = €20.47 = 60.39 kgs CO2 . This is about the same CO2 saved if you reduced your car usage by 379.8 km in a small family car.
Lighting
- Choose CFLs instead of ordinary bulbs especially where lighting is needed for long periods.
- CFLs can last up to 15 times longer than an ordinary bulb and use 80% less electricity.
- Replacing an ordinary 100 watt light bulb with an equivalent CFL saves 80.00 kWh per year = €14.89 = 43.92 kgs CO2 .
The kettle
- Only boil the amount of water you need but make sure to cover the element.
- Reducing the surplus water boiled by just four cups a day can save up to 29.0 kWh per year = €5.39 = 15.92 kgs CO2.
The hob
- Always make sure that the pan base matches the size of the hob element.
- Use the right size pan for the quantity of food being cooked.
- Keep saucepan lids on - this enables you to turn down the heat.
- Use an electric kettle to boil water for cooking instead of using the hob.
Please note:
Costs as of 17 January 13.
Costs based on Electric Ireland Dual Value Reward with Direct Debit and Online billing.
Gas prices include carbon tax levy as from 1 May 12.