Adulting is expensive. Whether you’re setting up your first apartment or moving into a house, your kitchen is one spot where costs stack up. But what if your kitchen could save you money… every month? Enter: energy-efficient products.
Not only do energy-efficient kitchens help the planet (big win), but they also cut down your bills. Plus, in Los Angeles, you can actually get money back just for installing the right products. Sounds too good? Keep reading.
Why Go Energy Efficient in the Kitchen?
Think about it: your kitchen is full of appliances running 24/7. Fridge, dishwasher, oven, lights. They’re constantly draining power, even when you’re not using them. But with smarter, energy-efficient products, you can reduce how much energy your kitchen eats up and how much you’re paying for it.
Energy-efficient products = Less energy used = Lower bills + Smaller carbon footprint.
And if you’re designing or remodeling your kitchen, it’s the perfect time to build efficiency right in.
Affordable, High-Quality Kitchen & Bath Remodels in LA
Top Energy-Efficient Products for Your New Kitchen
Here’s where you can start upgrading:
– Refrigerators (Energy Star Certified)
Your fridge runs non-stop. Switching to an Energy Star-certified refrigerator can cut your energy use by about 15% compared to standard models. That’s like getting free electricity for almost two months a year.
– Dishwashers (Yes, They Matter)
Newer, efficient dishwashers use less water and less power. Bonus: They’re better at cleaning. Look for the Energy Star label here too.
– Induction Cooktops
Instead of heating your whole kitchen (like gas stoves), induction cooktops heat your pans directly. Faster cooking. Less wasted energy. And yes, they’re way safer too.
– LED Lighting
Switch out those basic bulbs for LED strips or bulbs. They last longer, use up to 90% less energy, and make your kitchen look cooler (literally and style-wise).
– Low-Flow Faucets
Less water doesn’t mean less pressure. Low-flow faucets can save gallons without sacrificing rinse power.
– Smart Plugs & Power Strips
Even when turned off, some appliances pull power. Smart plugs or advanced power strips stop that “phantom” energy loss.
How to Build Efficiency Into a New Kitchen
If you’re setting up a new kitchen from scratch, this is your moment to build smart from day one. Here’s how:
• Design with natural light: More windows = less daytime lighting needed.
• Pick Energy Star appliances when choosing your fridge, dishwasher, oven, etc.
• Install LED lighting under cabinets and in ceiling fixtures.
• Use smart timers for your lighting or plugs to control power automatically.
• Choose induction over gas when selecting your cooktop.
• Opt for light-colored surfaces (cabinets, counters). They reflect light better, reducing your lighting needs.
Rebates in Los Angeles – Get Paid to Save
Now here’s the fun part: Los Angeles will literally pay you for choosing energy-efficient appliances.
Some rebates you can snag:
LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) Rebates
• Fridge rebate: Up to $75 back for Energy Star-certified refrigerators.
• Dishwasher rebate: Around $75 back.
• Smart thermostat rebate (good for the whole house): Up to $125 back.
• Lighting rebate: While individual bulbs don’t get cash back, upgrading to smart lighting systems might qualify in some rebate packages.
• Low-flow faucet rebates are often paired with water-saving programs—worth checking!
SoCalGas Rebates
• For energy-efficient natural gas appliances, like dishwashers or ovens, you can claim additional rebates (ranges from $50 to $200).
Statewide Programs
• California’s TECH Clean California program sometimes offers extra incentives for electrification (switching from gas to electric), especially induction cooktops.
How to Get These Rebates
• Keep your receipts.
• Apply online via the LADWP Rebate Center or SoCalGas rebate pages.
• Check eligibility before buying. Not every model qualifies.
• Many rebates require submitting within 6 months of purchase.
Bottom Line
Setting up a kitchen? Be smart. Go efficient. You’ll save energy, save cash, and help the planet. And thanks to LA’s rebate programs, you’ll actually get some money back in your pocket for making the right choices.
Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.