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Choose Energy Star-Labeled Appliances

The kitchen uses more energy than any room in your home.

Start by replacing old appliances with new Energy Star-labeled appliances.

Energy Star is a joint program of US Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy to identify energy efficient products. Household appliances and products with Energy Star label meet strict energy efficient guidelines.

Appliances use about 13 percent of the energy in a home. Save up to one-third of energy bill by making energy efficient choices in appliances.

Upgrade Your Refrigerator and Freezer

Energy Star refrigerator uses at least 20 percent less energy than non-Energy Star models.

Tip: New Energy Star refrigerator uses less energy than 60-watt light bulb. An Energy Star freezer uses at least 10 percent less energy than standard model.

The older a refrigerator or freezer, the more energy it uses.

Vacuum coils on back of fridge twice a year to increase energy efficiency.

Check door gasket to make sure seal isn’t broken; test by closing door on dollar bill — if bill pulls out easily, seal is broken.

Don’t place fridge near heat source like dishwasher or stove.

Save Energy and Water

Energy Star dishwasher uses at least 10 percent less energy. A dishwasher built before 1994 uses at least 10 gallons more water each week than Energy Star unit; that's enough water for three loads of clothes.

Energy Star tankless hot water heater saves energy by heating water only when you need it. Tankless hot water heater can save more than $100 per year in energy costs

An instant hot water dispenser saves energy by heating only small amount of water when you need it.

Kitchen faucets are currently not rated by EPA, but low-flow units save water and give high performance.

For quick filling of pots, look for faucet that toggles between low and fast flow.

An inexpensive faucet aerator can reduce water use by as much as 50 percent.

Cook Efficiently

Stoves and ovens are not currently rated by EPA, but different types use different amounts of energy.

Electric ovens use most energy; electric convection ovens are second; gas ovens are generally cheaper to operate than electric models.

Think about using a toaster oven for baking small dishes.

A Crock-Pot cooks slowly and uses very little energy.

Because microwave ovens cook so quickly, they are most energy efficient.