For the kitchen
2009. 03. 06.
Let's start with this fact: switching to efficient use of energy does not mean you have to give up on your usual comforts or make a massive investment. You can cut your household running costs considerably by simply following some useful tips.

 

1) When cooking;
the flame (of gas hobs) should never extend beyond the edge of the pot because the excess flame doesn't help the cooking and excess heat is simply lost,
 
cover your pots if possible (it is even better to use pressure cookers or double-bottom pots), because the steam released is mostly wasted energy. If you vover the pot during cooking, you can get the same results in less time or with less energy,
 
open your oven only if necessary because the heat lost by opening the door and the appropriate temperature can only be restored by using up more energy,
 
you can turn off the oven a few minutes before the baking is finished because it keeps the appropriate temperature for a while after being switched off.

2) The dishwasher can consume the most in the household and is responsible for approximately 20% of the electricity bills. The dishwasher (if you have one) consumes the same energy when full as when it is half empty, which means if it is not filled up when you use, you are just wasting energy. Use the intensive washing option only for particularly dirty dishes (such as pots and pans). 
It is best to use dishwashers in the evening because energy prices are lower at that time of the day.
3) The fridge is another big consumer in the kitchen. We should be aware that this makes up roughly 25% of our electricity bill.
 
Only open it when necessary and only for a short time. You can save roughly 20% of the fridge's energy consumption by using it properly.
 
Make sure the fridge is at least 10 cm from the wall and keep it away from heat sources such as ovens or radiators.
DO NOT place hot food in the fridge!
 
You can also save energy by setting the thermostat to medium (5-7°C).
 
You can save energy by ensuring appropriate maintenance too. Check the sealing on the fridge door. The ice should never exceed 3mm as this can lead to even a 30% increase in the energy consumption of the fridge. If necessary, defrost it and clean it before using it again. 
 
5) Sink tap;
Install Airforce One water flow aerator!  With this you can save up to 50% in water consumption and part of the energy used for the hot water.
Check sealings and eliminate any leaks. Leaking taps can waste 40-120 litres of water a day and even 3 m3 water per month, nearly unnoticed.
Taps left open consume roughly 15-20 litres a minute (5-6 litres of water even with an Airforce One flow aerator) so don’t leave taps open while doing something else in the kitchen.
 
When washing dishes don't clean stubborn stains with running water because this is both tiresome and wastes a lot of water! Instead, soak the dishes for a few minutes and then use running water for a fast rinse – this way you can wash your dishes easily!
 
Don’t run the tap for a long time to get cold drinking water (especially in the summer), instead, fill a jug or bottles and store them in the fridge! This way you can always have cold drinking water without wasting any drips.
 
If you don’t have a garbage disposal, leave the sink filter in place and dispose of any caught dirt and leftovers in the bin! Leftovers can clog the pipes and pollute the environment.

 


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