Page 46 - Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms (September 2018)

Image Amara

1 START FROM THE TOP
The kitchen is one of the most
frequently used spaces in the house.
Understandably, with this high level of
use comes an increased level of power,
particularly from lighting up the room.
Making the change to light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs) can illuminate your space
while reducing your energy usage. Going
natural and utilising sunlight is still the
best way to brighten your room and, if
you're able to do so, your kitchen will be
all the better for it.

2 KEEP COOL
Refrigerators are one of the big purchases
for a kitchen, and features such as energy
eficiency, cost, size and extras including

water dispensers or ice makers are
important considerations. One fridge is
always better than two for power use,
but the bigger the fridge, the higher the
energy consumption. Choosing the right
size for your household’s demands will
ensure all your cold goods are accessible
in one location while not wasting space or
electricity. Check out a refrigerator’s star
rating to identify how energy eficient it is

and to save your dollars.

3 GO WITH THE FLOW
Dishwashers are renowned for being a
time saver in any household, especially
for larger families. Utilising only a third of
the amount of water used when hand
washing, they are a great investment for
a kitchen. To maximise this saving, the
two rules are to operate your dishwasher
only when it’s fully stacked and to scrape,
not rinse, the dishes before stacking.
Looking for higher star ratings is also
a great indicator of the dishwasher’s
efectiveness, but it has to be noted that

it might be the eco wash function that
wins the stars on the dishwasher, not the
everyday wash.

4 THE GREAT OVEN DEBATE
Gas or electric? For most Australians, an
electric oven is the option chosen for
their home. Typically cheaper upfront
and with a simpler installation, electric
ovens can seem like a more economical
option. But with power rates booming
and electricity sourced primarily from
burning coal, gas is actually more cost-
A LIGHT BULB MOMENT efective and nature-friendly. The debate

is complex and diferent options will suit

diferent homes, but for now a gas oven’s

Sustainable-living household products that reduce our eficiency and cleaner energy sourcing

environmental footprint have become increasingly accessible. is the best green option. If renewable
Here are four ways to create a more energy-e cient space that energy sources such as solar or wind
will not only save you money, but also the planet become more accessible, electric ovens
could become the more environmentally
Words Cassie Haywood friendly option in the future.

46 completehome.com.au
luxury kitchens & bathrooms