With the cost of living increasing faster than most salaries, it is important to find ways to save money throughout your home. An energy efficient kitchen not only save money, but also helps to save the earth.

Whether you live on a limited budget or have a larger budget, the one thing everyone likes to do is save money. Taking steps to ensure that your kitchen is energy efficient not only helps you to save money, it also helps you do your part in conserving the natural resources that we take for granted. Here are a few tips to help make you kitchen more energy efficient and help you save a few dollars:-

Many dishwashers are equipped with an internal heating element. If your dishwasher has an internal heating element, this will allow you to set the water heater to a lower temperature. Lowering the temperature by only a few degrees can result in savings over time.

Some dishwasher models also have an automatic air-dry switch. This setting allows your dishes to air dry; cutting down on the time the dishwasher is using electricity. If your dishwasher does not have this setting, you can turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse, prop the door open, and let your dishes air-dry.

Check the door seals on your refrigerator. If the seals are not tight enough, the cool air escapes causing your refrigerator to run more than is necessary. A great way to check the seals is to place a dollar bill half in and half of the door. Try to pull the bill out. If it comes out easily, check the seals to see if they need replaced and the latch to see if it needs adjusting.

If you don’t have a no-clean condenser model refrigerator, it is important to pull your refrigerator out and clean the coils once a week. This helps to ensure that your refrigerator functions properly and run for shorter periods of time.

Be sure to cover all liquids and wrap all food that is stored in your refrigerator. If you leave liquids or food uncovered, the food creates moisture and causes the compressor to work harder than is normal.

When washing clothes, use cold water. Many brands of detergent have a line of products especially designed for cold water washing. Not only will this save energy and money, but will also help to keep your clothes from fading.

When drying clothes, use the cool-down cycle. This prevents your dryer from having to use energy for the entire drying cycle. Clothes that do not wrinkle easier can be taken from the dryer before the end of the cycle and allowed to air dry.

When using small amounts of water, be sure to use cold water. Using the hot water lever can trigger the hot water heater even thought the water that reaches the faucet may not be hot.

When purchasing a gas range or oven, choose a model that comes equipped with an automatic, electric ignition. Since a pilot light will not be constantly burning, you will use less gas.

When preparing small meals, use electric skillets or toaster ovens. These smaller appliances will use less electricity that a full-sized oven.

Be sure to repair any leaking taps. Leaking hot water taps, especially, use more energy and cause higher water bills, as well as electricity bills.

Be sure to defrost the freezer regularly. If your freezer is frosted over, it will use more energy and could result in the need to replace quicker. Set the temperature for both the freezer and the refrigerator at the lowest temperature to meet your needs.