In 1980, nearly 44% of a home’s annual energy consumption was accounted for by kitchen appliances. Fortunately, there are many innovations in cleaning, cooking, and preservation appliances that have reduced this figure to just over 10 percent today. This is much to the delight and satisfaction of homeowners who want green alternatives throughout their home.

Harris Interactive conducted a recent survey on Whirlpool Corporation and found that 84% of respondents said energy was more important than time or water when it came to appliance efficiency. Nearly 70% of respondents cited the kitchen appliance as the appliance that uses the most energy per day, despite the substantial improvements in efficiency over the past 30 years.

“In the past, consumers did not need to look beyond the kitchen to find the home energy hog,”J.B. Hoyt is Director of Regulatory Affairs and State Government Relations at Whirlpool Corporation. “Even today, cooking appliances are not ENERGY STAR qualified. However, recent innovations in appliance efficiency, particularly when it comes to the refrigerator and dishwasher, can really help consumers conserve resources.”

The Whirlpool Resource Saver Refrigerator brand consumes 30 percent less energy to power a 60-watt bulb. This exceeds federal efficiency standards by 30%. The Resource Saver Dishwasher also uses one-third less energy and water than dishwashers made before 2000.

“Efficient appliances like these should help consumers save on their energy bills,”Hoyt. “They are an important first step toward achieving an ‘eco-kitchen.’ However, homeowners also need to make sure to do their part to help.”

Appliances can be made more efficient by making small lifestyle changes that conserve energy and help them run at their peak efficiency. Running the dishwasher at night can reduce peak hour consumption, while keeping the fridge stocked at the right temperature can also help save energy.

In the same way, consumers can cut down on energy when they prepare a meal. Multiple foods can be placed in the oven to maximize heat. Additionally, a pan that is appropriate for each burner can help increase the range’s efficiency.

Innovations in cooking appliances help to conserve energy. Whirlpool’s Energy Save mode saves electricity, while Velos’ microwave over-the-range can cook up 47 percent faster than traditional thermal bake ovens when it is in SpeedCook mode.

Consumers can visit this website to learn more about energy-efficient appliances for the kitchen. www.whirlpool.com.