The holidays are coming soon, which means many of us will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Whether you are considering replacing an appliance or simply looking for small ways to be more efficient, here are some tips to help you save energy and money!

Fridge upgrade

Most people don’t think about their refrigerator that often as long as it’s working. A refrigerator typically runs for years without any problems — but that doesn’t mean it’s performing to its optimal capacity. Older refrigerators use more energy. Upgrading this appliance can bring a major return on your investment.

According to Energy Star, if your refrigerator is from the 1980s, replacing it with a new model could cut your electric bill by $100 a year. If you bought your refrigerator in the 1970s, the savings could be as much as $200 a year.

Maximizing heat

Cooking can also be a big energy expender — in more ways than one! Placing the lid on a pot of boiling water will trap heat and cause the water to come to a boil faster.

If you are planning on using the oven for a long time — for instance, when you are cooking a large piece of meat like turkey or ham — you might be able to turn down your home’s thermostat. The simple act of cooking will add warmth to the home, because the oven’s heat can raise the temperature in the kitchen and surrounding rooms. This is especially true if you are hosting a party. Once your home begins to fill with people, the temperature will quickly begin to rise.

Dishwasher savvy

Before you start your dishwasher, make sure it’s full. Next, check to see that you are using the right setting. Many newer dishwashers have sensors that detect how clean your dishes are. When these auto cycles are used, they will get dishes clean without wasting energy or water. The sanitize setting should rarely be used since it is energy intensive. It is also a good idea to make sure the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher’s wash-tub is clean. This helps the washer work at its optimal level.

LED lighting

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to save energy in the kitchen is to replace existing lights with LEDs. You won’t have to replace them nearly as often as incandescent bulbs and their costs have come down in recent years, making them far more affordable to install.

Note: If you currently have linear fluorescent lamps, replacing them with LEDs may be too expensive to justify.