Magnet Trade shared that searches for “how to reduce energy costs” have skyrocketed 81% in the past month. From preparing meals to laundry and laundry, cooking is the most energy-consuming in a household. With that in mind, the experts at Magnet Trade have shared 10 practical ways to cut energy bills this winter. They commented: “As this is an energy consumption hotspot in your home, changing your cooking habits can be the start of a significant reduction in your energy bills. don’t need to reduce the amount you do of certain activities. It’s about being aware of the most efficient way of doing things to help limit unnecessary energy waste, which means savings in time.”
1. Clean kitchen appliances in winter
Experts say if kitchen appliances and equipment aren’t cleaned regularly, they’re likely to work a lot harder than they should, which ‘increases energy consumption and puts them at risk of breakdown’ .
They explained: “For example, a dirty oven is less energy efficient because the heat is absorbed by the soot and grease deposits rather than by the food. Refrigerator condenser coils are another area that, if left uncleaned, makes it harder for your cold room to stay at food-safe temperatures. Not only does this cost you money on your energy bill, but it can have serious implications for your food security.”
2. Defrost your freezer
Fridges and freezers, which are on 24/7, are among the “most energy-intensive items” you can find in kitchens. Experts have warned: “Failing to defrost your freezer regularly can add £150 a year to your bill because the more ice you have accumulated in your freezer, the harder its motor has to work, which means more energy.
3. Use air fryers and microwaves
Ovens can be an inefficient way of cooking because they involve heating a relatively large space. Therefore, it is best to opt for using a microwave or air fryer when possible.
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Experts say: “Using a microwave, pressure cooker or air fryer can save you money on your bills as they are much more energy efficient and are a faster cooking method. For example, a baked potato can take 70 minutes in the oven, 60 minutes in an air fryer, and eight minutes in the microwave.
4. Be aware of the oven and turn it off early
Amid soaring energy and gas bills, many people are trying to avoid baking. However, they don’t have to avoid it completely, just think more effectively about how it’s actually used.
Experts advised: “If you have a double oven, use the smaller one whenever possible, as it will take less energy to heat up and maintain the temperature. Try to cook several dishes at once and avoid opening the door to watch the food cooking. This will cause heat to leak from the oven and he will have to work harder to replace it.
“Another good tip is to turn the oven off early. Ovens usually maintain the required temperature for up to 10 minutes after you turn it off and the residual heat means your food continues to cook. This means you can save 10 minutes energy without compromising your cooking.”
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5. Use the correct size cooking ring for your pan
While it’s tempting to place a small pan on a large hob to cook it faster, homeowners should always match the size of the burner to the size of the pan they’re using” otherwise you’re wasting oil. energy because of the heat escaping around it,” the experts said.
They explained: “If you can see any of the electric rings or gas flames when you look at the pan from above, this is heating the air in the kitchen and not the pan – so a 15cm pan on a 20cm ring could waste 25% of the energy used.Switching to a smaller ring can save you a surprising amount of money.
6. Not used? turn it off
Many people think that turning electronic devices on and off uses more energy than just leaving them on. This may have been true at one time, but today the energy used to turn on a device is minimal compared to the constant consumption it uses when turned on.
Experts said: “’Vampire appliances’, such as TVs and coffee machines left on standby, constantly consume power so they are ready for immediate use. Get into the habit of turning off or unplugging appliances when not in use to avoid increasing your energy bills.
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7. Batch cooking and meal preparation
Cooking as much food as possible at once means people will save time and energy than cooking many different meals. The pros advised, “Eat what you need, then separate the rest and freeze it.” Plus, there’s nothing like having a home-cooked meal ready for you when you need it.”
8. Always fill your devices
According to experts, appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers use the same amount of energy whether they are half empty or full. Experts said: “Therefore, try to run them only when full to avoid wasting energy and the number of charges you run each week.
“Also use the energy-efficient settings of your appliances. An eco-functional dishwasher, for example, saves 20% more energy by heating the water more slowly and on a longer cycle.”
9. Boil only what you need in the kettle
Few people know that overfilling the kettle with more water than necessary wastes energy. Most kettles have a scale on the side that tells you how far to fill them, depending on how many cups you need. Using this as a guideline will help reduce unnecessary energy and water use.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a more energy-efficient kettle or instant hot water tap to help lower energy bills. Experts noted: “Instant hot water taps can use up to 50% less energy than traditional kettles and you only use the amount of water needed.”
10. Invest in energy efficient appliances
While they may have a higher upfront cost, energy-efficient appliances will “significantly lower your long-term energy bills” and transform your home with technology that will last longer and be more reliable, say the pros.
They said: “Fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and hobs are the top five appliances to consider for an upgrade. For example, an F-rated 287 70/30 fridge-freezer uses 725kWh per year, so its annual running cost is £143. Switch to an example D rated 294 liter 70/30 fridge freezer and it consumes 156kWh per year, costing just £81.12 per year.
“While a gas stove costs less to operate than an induction or electric cooker, the induction switch can save you money with its faster cooking times and significantly better energy efficiency. With induction cooking, up to 90% of the energy used is transferred to the food, compared to 40% for gas.
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