1. Keep the fridge door closed
7% of the fridge's overall energy usage goes to waste when the door of the appliance is left open, according to Home Energy Magazine. Instead, resist the temptation to play refrigerator peek-a-boo every five minutes so the cool air from your fridge can stay in and not flap away. This will help save energy use, prolong food freshness, and save you money.
2. Install a weather stripping seal
Nothing ruins the kitchen atmosphere like drafts and cold air seeping through your windows and doors. Permeating cold air through doors, faucets, and windows is unavoidable, but there's a cheap way to minimize its effect on room temperature. The weather-stripping will help keep doors and windows tight, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
3. Turn off appliances when not in use
Constantly plugged-in cookers or dishwashers seriously drain power bills when appliances are continuously on. Turn off appliances when not in use by making sure they're unplugged. If this isn't an option, consider limiting appliance use. Set a timer for food preparation, and turn on the appliance in short bursts only.
4. Switch to more efficient light bulbs
Lighting is one of the most energy-intensive household appliances, and incandescent lamps are among the worst offenders. They produce 70% to 80% heat when lit, which is wasted energy. LED bulbs and CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) are the way to go if you really want to save on energy. And if you're considering an upgrade, it's a good idea to incorporate an automatic lighting system for the same reason.
5. Use the microwave to reheat your food
Cooking takes a lot of energy. And if electricity is your main cooking source, you'll want to be mindful of how much time it takes to cook something. Microwave ovens use up to 80% less energy than traditional ovens, so using them exclusively for reheating food efficiently reduces energy consumption.
6. Cover pots with lids for faster cooking times
In a hurry? Cover pots while cooking to cut down on time. The trapped heat, along with the generated water vapor, ensures enough moisture to tenderize food faster. Another way to control the cooking time of food is to invest in a pressure cooker. They also use the principle of steam buildup and extracting flavors, but the overall process is much quicker.