Kitchen

In The Kitchen

Appliances

All appliances need electricity to function. Buying an efficient item is important and easy to identify because they are classified with an energy label,with this you can quickly see the energy efficiency of appliances.White line appliances such as fridges and freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, washers, dryers, electric ovens, air conditioners are necessarily labeled. The more energy efficient are classified as Class A. Those who are marked as class G are the least energy saving (high energy). In the case of refrigerators and freezers,there are two new classes as they have adopted even more stringent efficiency class A + appliances with a consumption less than 42% of average consumption and the class A + +, which consume 30% less than average consumption.

The Fridge

Place the refrigerator and freezer in a cool, ventilated area away from heat sources such as solar radiation, furnaces and boilers as they consume less energy if they are removed from them. Defrost the refrigerator regularly and change them for other newer models, as nowadays nearly all have automatic defrost cycles and are almost twice as efficient. Clean and dust at least once a year the coils behind the refrigerator. Do not get hot food in the refrigerator as it is best to wait for it to cool off. Thaw food by taking it out of freezer and place it in the refrigerator and you can save energy by avoiding thawing in the microwave.Set the thermostat to maintain a temperature of 6 º C in the cooling compartment and -18 ° C in the freezer.

The Washing Machine

Find washing machines labeled A in the wash, in addition to the A in energy efficiency. By placing the machine adjust to maximum capacity and low temperature programs. There are now detergents that act at temperatures of 30 with the same efficiency of 60. Saving energy and the garments are better retained. Regularly clean the filter and use the washer recalcificantes for greater efficiency and energy saving. In Dishwashers the recommendation is the same class label. This efficiency is measured by washing, drying and energy consumption per place setting, measured in the economic program. Put in place when completely full, or use the programs at half full  when loaded or more economic programs. Ensure that tanks are filled and rinse for better performance and power savings.

The Dryer

Dryers are one of the most energy consuming devices, but some now are operating on gas others include incremental cycles to dry clothes that allow the residual heat from the dryer. Before using, separate heavy and light clothes and cotton clothing. Clean the filter and make sure the vent is not clogged.

El Horno

Whenever you buy a gas oven make sure it is more energy efficient and take care that the oven has the A label . Once cooking do not open the oven unnecessarily as you can lose  as much as 20% heat. Turn off the oven a little earlier, so that the residual heat finishes cooking the food, when cooking times are over an hour is not necessary to heat the oven first. Save energy used to heat the plates every time you use it. It is better to pay a little more for an efficient device, it will eventually account for more savings in the bill. Do not leave appliances on and optimize usage, for example if you are toasting bread use the two slots for both toasts.

Sources: The Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDEA), European Commission on Climate Change