How to Save Energy With Your Kitchen Appliances

Energy efficiency in the kitchen is more important than ever. With rising utility costs and an increasing focus on sustainability, finding ways to reduce energy consumption benefits homeowners and the environment. Lower energy use means lower bills, a longer appliance lifespan, and a smaller carbon footprint.

Modern kitchen appliances are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and making smart choices can have a significant impact. Whether shopping for new appliances or optimizing the ones you already own, these energy-saving tips will help you make the most of your kitchen while using less power.

 

How to Shop for Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it comes to cutting down on energy use, choosing the right appliances is key. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a new, energy-efficient kitchen appliance.

Look for ENERGY STAR® Ratings

ENERGY STAR-certified appliances meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the EPA. They use less electricity and water while maintaining excellent performance. Many kitchen appliances can be ENERGY STAR rated, including refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers, ovens, cooktops, and range hoods.

When shopping in-store, look for the blue ENERGY STAR label on the appliance itself or its packaging. Online, you can filter your search to show only ENERGY STAR-certified models to ensure you’re selecting the most efficient option.

Focus on High-Impact Appliances

If you're replacing or upgrading just one appliance, target the highest-impact appliances first - refrigerators and dishwashers. Choosing energy-efficient models for these appliances will make the most significant difference.

Refrigerators run 24/7 and are among the biggest energy consumers in the kitchen. Investing in an energy-efficient refrigerator will have a significant impact on your long-term savings.

While used less frequently, dishwashers still contribute significantly to energy and water consumption, and selecting an energy-efficient dishwasher can reduce both utility costs and environmental impact. 

Compare Energy Guide Labels

When shopping for appliances, check the Energy Guide label. This yellow tag estimates the specific appliance’s annual energy consumption and operating cost, helping you compare models and find the most efficient option.

 

Energy-Saving Features to Look For in Appliances

Not all kitchen appliances are created equal—some models include advanced features that further enhance efficiency. If you are shopping for a new appliance, here are some additional features to look for that naturally make the appliances more efficient. 

Refrigerator & Freezer To Look For

• LG InstaView™ — This feature allows you to see inside your refrigerator without opening the door, reducing cold air loss and improving energy efficiency.

• French door refrigerators — Designed with separate compartments to limit how much cold air escapes when opening one door at a time.

• Door-in-Door® options — Available in brands like LG, this feature provides easy access to frequently used items while minimizing temperature fluctuations.

• Exterior water and ice dispensers – These help reduce the need to open the fridge or freezer just to access cold water or ice, maintaining stable temperatures inside.

• Dual compressors – Separate cooling systems for fridge and freezer sections improve efficiency.

• Adaptive defrost technology – Automatically defrosts only when necessary, reducing energy use.

• Temperature and humidity sensors – Optimize cooling based on the environment and contents inside.

Cooking Appliance Features To Look For

• No preheat air fry — Found in select ovens and ranges, this feature eliminates the need to preheat when air frying, reducing cooking time and energy usage.

• Convection cooking — This setting uses fans to circulate hot air, cooking food faster and more evenly with less energy.

• Induction cooktops — Transfer heat directly to the cookware, reducing wasted energy compared to traditional gas or electric cooktops.

• Self-cleaning ovens — Have superior insulation, helping maintain heat efficiency during regular cooking.

Dishwasher Features To Look For

• Auto-open dishwasher doors – Found in brands like Bosch, this feature allows the door to open automatically at the end of the cycle to help dishes dry naturally with less energy use.

• Third rack dishwashers – Adding an extra rack allows for more efficient use of space, meaning fewer loads and less energy consumption.

• Soil sensors – Detect how dirty the dishes are and adjust water usage accordingly.

• Eco-mode or half-load options – Use less water and energy for smaller loads.

• Air-dry settings – Avoid using heated drying, which consumes more electricity.

 

Smart Technology & Features to Look For

If you are purchasing a new appliance, we strongly advise you to consider a Wi-Fi-enabled appliance. Besides convenience, smart appliance advancements have made energy efficiency easier than ever. Here are just some of the helpful features that smart appliances have to offer that will help lower your utility bills.

• Some smart refrigerator models have energy-saving modes that automatically adjust cooling based on usage patterns to minimize energy waste.

• Select ovens and ranges include sensor cooking that detects and adjusts cooking times. This prevents overcooking and reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

• Delay start, and eco-modes are available in smart dishwashers. These features allow you to schedule cycles during off-peak hours or use less water and electricity.

• Most smart appliances include apps that aid in troubleshooting and diagnostics. The apps can alert you to maintenance needs, preventing issues that could cause higher energy use.

• Many smart appliances also include alerts and reminders to inform you if your range or oven has been running longer than planned or if your refrigerator door is ajar, preventing you from making energy-consuming mistakes.

Tips on How to Use Your Appliances More Efficiently

Purchasing new, energy-efficient appliances is only part of the equation for lowering your monthly energy bill. Even the most energy-efficient appliances can waste power if not used properly. Follow these simple tips to maximize efficiency:

Refrigerators & Freezers

• Keep your fridge set between 35-38°F and your freezer at 0°F for optimal performance.

• Avoid overloading or underfilling—overloading restricts airflow while underfilling makes the fridge work harder.

• Ensure door seals are tight—worn-out seals let cold air escape, forcing the compressor to work harder.

• Position wisely—keep the fridge away from heat sources like ovens, dishwashers, and direct sunlight.

• Let leftovers cool before refrigerating—hot food raises the fridge temperature, making it work harder.

• Clean refrigerator coils and vents to improve airflow and efficiency.

Cooking Appliances

• Match your burner size to your pan—using a burner that’s too big for the pan wastes energy.

• Cover pots and pans—this traps heat and cooks food faster, reducing cooking time and energy use.

• Use glass or ceramic bakeware in the oven—it retains heat better, so you can cook at lower temperatures.

Dishwashers

• Run full loads to maximize efficiency and reduce the number of cycles.

• Use the air-dry setting instead of energy-intensive heated drying.

• Skip pre-rinsing—modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, and rinsing wastes water and energy.

Save Big at Oliver Dyers

If you're looking for energy-efficient kitchen appliances, let Oliver Dyer’s help. We offer a wide variety of dishwashers, ranges, ovens, cooktops, and refrigerators to meet your needs and help lower your utility bills. 

Visit our appliance store in Fort Worth, TX, today to work with one of our experts to find the perfect appliance for your home. We also offer scratch and dent appliances for great deals on appliances from top brands.

Related readings from our blog:

• Energy Star Certified Appliances: Why GE Stands Out

• What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Appliances?

• Is the GE Café Refrigerator Right for Your Home?

FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions About Energy-Efficient Appliances

1. What does it mean for an appliance to be ENERGY STAR® certified?

ENERGY STAR® certification means that an appliance meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These appliances use less energy and water compared to standard models, helping reduce utility costs and environmental impact.

2. Do energy-efficient appliances really save money?

Yes, while energy-efficient appliances may have a higher upfront cost, they save money over time through lower energy and water bills. For example, an ENERGY STAR refrigerator can use up to 15% less energy than a non-certified model.

3. How can I tell if an appliance is energy-efficient when shopping?

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label and check the yellow Energy Guide label, which estimates the appliance's annual energy consumption and cost. Comparing these labels across models helps identify the most efficient option.

4. What are some features that make appliances more energy-efficient?

Features like smart technology (auto-adjusting settings), eco modes, induction cooking, adaptive defrost, and sensor-based systems all contribute to reducing energy use. Features like air-dry settings on dishwashers and InstaView doors on refrigerators also minimize unnecessary energy consumption.

5. Is it worth replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models?

Yes, replacing outdated appliances (especially those over 10 years old) with energy-efficient models can significantly lower energy use. Modern appliances are designed to meet higher efficiency standards and often come with features that reduce energy waste and improve performance.