Property-Energysaving tips

Energy saving tips for the kitchen

30% of household energy consumed in the kitchen

Let's mitigate rising bills! Energy bills are set to continue to rise, and with nearly 30% of household energy consumption being used in the kitchen (according to Energy Saving Trust - 13.8% of electricity for cooking, 16.8% for freezing/cooling food), being energy efficient in the kitchen should help cut down energy bills. Tips on being efficient in the Kitchen Use the microwave: Cooking by heating water molecules inside food, from inside outwards, the heat generated by microwave is not wasted in heating the air surrounding the food. Microwaves can be used to reheat, defrost and cook meals. Microwave recipes such as mac and cheese, leek and salmon in a parcel, risotto primavera and banana muffins can be found with Google. You can also try partcooking potatoes or butternut squash for 6-10 minutes before roasting. Microwaves can also steam-cook. It takes 4-5 minutes to cook softer/ moist vegetables and 6-8 minutes for firmer ones. Use the kettle: A kettle heats water faster than the stove. When boiling water in a sauce-pan, heat from the hob is absorbed by the surrounding air. Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers are insulated, and the lid stays on during cooking. An average slow cooker uses 1.3 kWh per meal. They cook everything in one pot so there are less items to wash. The slow and longer process also makes it perfect to create meals from cheaper cuts of meat. Use less water: Only use as much water as you need (just enough to cover the food). Boiling extra water takes more time as well as energy. Cover pots and pans: The water will boil faster and use less energy to heat food. Turn off the heat a few minutes before it is fully cooked – particularly if you have an electric hob, as they take time to cool down and will continue to cook. Defrost your fridge and freezer: The energy efficiency of both is reduced if there is a build-up of ice or frost. Leave a 10cm gap behind your fridge so the heat can flow away easier. For more info: www.sustainableamersham.org

Property of the month

Mill Lodge, Ashington, RH20 3BX - Offers in excess of £1M

An attractive home located close to the village centre offered for sale in first class order throughout, having been extended and refurbished to a high standard. Accommodation comprises: sitting room with wood burning stove, dining room, family room, re-fitted kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances, utility room, two ground floor bedrooms with en-suite, three first floor double bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside is extensive parking to front with car port and storage barn. Rear garden is a feature of the property with a southerly aspect with landscaped gardens and large terrace providing outside entertaining space. Property also benefits from solar PV system. Fowlers: 01903 745844

By Ivan Lyons, MD Investment Solutions, Worthing

Investment solutions group photo At Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd, we have been blending investment portfolios since 1988. When stock markets wobble, people are often reluctant to invest, instead choosing to keep their hard-saved money in cash. But are you hanging on to too much cash? And could you be investing more to get your money working harder? Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Let’s talk: 01903 214640 email: ilyons@graftonhouse.net website: www.investment-solutions.co.uk ‘Investment Solutions’ is the trading name of Investment Solutions Wealth Management Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.