STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The phrase "Home Energy Efficiency" causes most of us to immediately think about triple-paned windows and "Energy Star" appliances. Important energy savers to be sure. However, as one energy efficiency expert counsels, not all changes have to be big or expensive to make a difference. Many of the small choices we make every day can impact our energy usage as well.
According to Daniel Lanzilotta, owner of The Mindful Chef and an executive chef/chef educator, here are some simple tips to ensure your kitchen is energy efficient:
Refrigerator Tips:
- Check Your Seal: One of the most important factors in determining your refrigerator's energy efficiency is the quality of its seal. Check the seal regularly to ensure it is not dried out and still sealing properly. If it is not, replace it. This inexpensive repair can make a big difference in your refrigerator's efficiency.
- Stop "Refrigerator Gazing" : We are all guilty of standing mindlessly in front of the open refrigerator door pondering what we should eat. Not only can this habit lead to poor choices, it also increases our utility bill as well. According to Lanzilotta, this represents one of the basic laws of thermo-dynamics - heat is attracted to cold - and gazing at an open refrigerator causes the hot air to rush in raising the internal temperature of the appliance.
- Allow Food To Cool: When you place hot leftovers directly into your refrigerator you are forcing your appliance to work harder than necessary to cool your food and in turn the interior of the unit. By allowing your food to begin to cool naturally before placing it in the fridge you are increasing your efficiency and saving money and energy.
Sink and Dishwasher:
- Be Mindful of Water Waste: By being aware and conservative when using water at the sink you can dramatically reduce your water waste. Run water only when necessary and only use hot water when absolutely needed.
- Wait Until Your Dishwasher is Full: Many people are guilty of running a dishwasher half-empty. Lanzilotta urges people to wait until the unit is full before running. Also, check your settings to make sure you are only utilizing the features that are necessary.
- Take Care of Your Hot Water Heater: Perhaps the most important kitchen efficiency change you can make is not even found in the kitchen. Check your hot water heater's setting and insulate pipes to prevent heat loss.
These tips on Kitchen Efficiency are featured on «Attainable Sustainables», a program carried on MXTV, an On Demand cable channel created by Mxenergy.
"These small changes in our every day choices really can make a difference," says Marjorie Kass, host of «Attainable Sustainables» and Mxenergy Managing Director. "It is our hope to create programs and segments that contain information which our viewers can immediately put to use in their daily lives."
MXenergyTV, or MXTV for short, can be found on Cablevision iO Channel 654 in the Northeast United States. "Getting Into The Kitchen Zones" is just one of many programs focused on energy efficiency and "green living." The complete episode and others can be viewed at http://mxenergy.com/mxenergytv-video-archive.html.
About MXenergy
MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses. Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. For more information MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.
CONTACT: Marjorie Kass (203) 356-1318 ext. 7801 Managing Director mkass@mxenergy.com Laurel O'Connor (209) 782-7212 NorthStar Media Management LLC laurel@northstarmediamanagement.com