With UK energy prices soaring, it’s more important than ever to find ways to make our homes more energy efficient. One of the most energy-hungry rooms in the house is the kitchen, so this is the ideal place to start making a few changes.
In the process of designing a new kitchen from scratch? You have the perfect opportunity to build energy efficiency into the design right from the very start.
In the process of designing a new kitchen from scratch? You have the perfect opportunity to build energy efficiency into the design right from the very start.
Here are some key things to start thinking about:
Choose the right appliances
When shopping for your new fridge freezer, dishwasher, extractor fan, microwave and oven, go for A-rated appliances. These are designed to be the most efficient products in their class.
It usually means spending more money, but it can be worth it. Not only are A-rated appliances better for the environment, but they’re also cheaper to run. This means they could save you money on your energy bills over time. You can find out more about energy ratings here.
Another thing to think about with appliances is the type. For example, you might want to go for an induction hob instead of a gas-powered one. These tend to heat up more quickly and cook at a faster speed, while gas hobs tend to lose heat around the sides of the pans.
Bring in as much natural light as possible
To save you putting the lights on all the time, think about how you can maximise natural light in your kitchen. This could mean a big change like putting in a skylight, light tunnel or a bigger window. Or you can try a tiny touch of trickery, such as using light enhancing colours and glossy, reflective surfaces in order to bounce light around.
When you do get round to installing lighting, it goes without saying that energy saving LEDs are the way forward.
Splash out on new technology
There are some gadgets and high-tech appliances out there that can make your kitchen more energy efficient, as well as being convenient – and pretty cool too.
For example, instant boiling water taps, which can save a huge amount of energy compared to putting the kettle on.
Tips for using your new kitchen efficiently
By this point, you’ve put a huge amount of effort into designing as energy efficient a kitchen as possible. So it’d be a shame to undo all that hard work now, by slipping into bad habits that waste energy unnecessarily.
Here are just a few quick tips to conserve energy in your shiny new kitchen:
- Only run your dishwasher when it’s full
- Lower the thermostat by a degree or two, or turn it down completely when you’re cooking and the oven is on
- Run your washing machine at lower temperatures
- Avoid overfilling your fridge freezer, and avoid putting in anything that’s above room temperature – as this will lower the temperature inside the appliance
- Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.
Need help with your kitchen design, or ready for fitting? Get in touch with our experienced kitchen fitters here at A&J Kitchens.
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