The five biggest energy guzzlers in your kitchen

Whoever is first into the kitchen in the morning often switches everything on at once: range, oven, fryer, extraction. Handy, but expensive. With an energy meter and a critical eye, you'll soon find savings that cost nothing.

1. The extraction hood

Extraction often runs at full power all day, pulling heated or cooled air outside with it. A speed control that follows actual use usually pays for itself within a few years.

2. Cold rooms and fridges

Dirty condensers, worn door seals and doors left open during deliveries: the cooling works itself to death. Vacuuming the condenser monthly is the cheapest saving in the kitchen.

3 to 5. Dishwasher, fryer and standby

Only run the dishwasher full, turn the fryer down between services instead of keeping it at full temperature, and do a closing round with a checklist. Anything left on overnight for no reason shows up on your energy meter straight away.✦