With global warming becoming more and more of a threat, Portland home owners are beginning to make small changes in the ways in which they live to try to be more enviromentally-friendly.  Here are some energy-efficient facts for making your kitchen greener from www.cnn.com/openhouse.

1. Using a dishwasher is 35% more water efficient than hand washing your dishes.  

2. Cooking on a gas range is 50% more efficient than cooking on an electric range.

3. The most energy-efficient style of refrigerator is one in which the freezer is on the bottom.  The least energy-efficient style is the side-by-side.

4. If you purchase new appliances, look for appliances with “Energy Star” stickers, as these utilize energy-efficient features.  In addition, in Oregon, you will get a tax credit for purchasing these appliances.

5. Change all of your light bulbs to the new long-lasting energy-efficient bulbs.  These cost more at first but do last much longer than standard bulbs and they cut down on your electric bill.

For more energy-efficient tips, or if you’re looking for a new home utilizing environmentally-friendly materials and appliances, contact me today at www.PointClickandPack.com.