Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Your Houston Kitchen: Save Money and the Planet

Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Your Houston Kitchen: Save Money and the Planet

The summers in Houston can be very tough because the temperatures can rise up to 100 degrees! The heat together with a kitchen that consumes a lot of power is extremely uncomfortable. However, the good news is that you are not alone if you want to do make a difference and are looking for greener ways to manage the kitchen---many homeowners in Houston want to lower their energy costs, conserve money, and even become more eco-friendly. We at Mendiola Remodeling & Construction focus on the remodels which drastically reduce electrical expenses alongside preserving the planet. In this piece, we will explore some of the most valuable eco-friendly upgrades Houston kitchens could use in 2025. 

Energy Efficient Appliances

The most valuable change that can be made revolves around purchasing new high efficiency appliances. Energy Efficient appliances are now easier to come by and more affordable than ever because of advancements in technology. Below is a list of some of the best appliances that come with the most value for your kitchen remodel:

Standards For ENERGY STAR 2025

The ENERGY STAR label indicates that a device uses energy efficiently as it meets or exceeds the required energy efficiency guidelines. Here is how appliances with an ENERGY STAR rating are making positive changes:  

Refrigerators: Refrigerators are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the household. However, the 2025 ENERGY STAR refrigerators are 15% more efficient than their 2023 counterparts. The improved energy efficiency translates into cost savings for the consumer by lowering energy consumption and monthly utility bills.  

Dishwashers: The Miele EcoSpeed dishwasher not only meets the requirements set out by the ENERGY STAR, but is also designed to be more water and energy efficient. The EcoSpeed model eliminates the use of water guzzlers with every load and uses only 2.5 gallons of water per cycle. This far exceeds the standard dishwasher that uses about 6 gallons per load. A dish washer that saves this much water also translates to lower consumption of energy and lower water bills.

Induction Cooking

Another upgrade Houston kitchens are embracing is cooking with induction stoves.  

90% Efficiency: Unlike traditional electric or gas stoves, induction cooktops directly heat the pot via magnetic induction with up to 90% efficiency. The heat is generated directly in the cookware, eliminating the need for heating the surrounding environment, which leads to shorter cooking times."

Tax Credits: Tax rebates are available for expenses, and with the new induction cooking upgrade, Houston residents can enjoy more benefits while spending less on energy consumption. The incorporation of the Energy Efficiency Program offers a $300 tax credit for residents who purchase energy efficient appliances such as induction stovetops.

Climate Responsive Design

Make a kitchen remodel with more than just appliances and consider adding elements that help control the temperature of your home. With climate-responsive design, you enhance comfort in the kitchen year round, for all seasons while improving energy efficiency.

Insulation and Windows

Spray Foam Insulation: All houses need efficient insulation and Houston houses are no exception with the need for efficient cooling in warm and humid weather. Foam insulation does a better job sealing gaps than fiberglass and minimizes air leakage, keeping cool air during the summer months and warm air during the winter months. This can reduce your air conditioning costs by as much as 20%, directly impacting your utility bills.

Low-E Windows: Efficient windows are another addition that should never miss out in a kitchen area. Low-E (Low Emissivity) windows do not prevent the entry of natural light but rather allow it into the kitchen while blocking dangerous UV rays. In summer, these windows help keep the kitchen cooler by minimizing heat gain while retaining all the advantages of sunshine.

Creatively Enhancing The Kitchen by Innovations in LED

Other than with the appliances and their functions, modifications can also be done in the lighting of the kitchen while ensuring energy efficiency. Changes towards the Smart LEDs and Under-Cabinet Strips: technologies can do the trick. The former offers unique customization options and also gives the user flexibility in cooking, entertaining guests, or resting since smart LEDs tend to conserve energy. The latter requires no overhead lighting, hence, conserving energy as well. They decrease energy consumption by 75% compared to incandescent bulbs, while enhancing lighting conditions for countertop tasks.

Kitchen Remodel for The Efficient Individual

For the renewable energy fanatic, installation of solar panels can do the trick. Together with modifying the kitchen’s design and incorporating energyefficient appliances, costs can be reduced significantly. Alongside companies  like Sunfinity Solar, customizing the solar system to fit around 40–60% of the kitchen’s energy consumption is now possible.Battery Storage: To get the most out of your solar setup, consider installing a Tesla Powerwall or other home battery systems. These systems store excess energy created during the day that can then be used at night or during high-demand periods. This ensures clean, renewable energy is always available when needed. 

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) 

An ERV is one of the most innovative and effective changes that can be made to your kitchen related to energy efficiency. 

Heat Exchange Systems Energy Recovery Ventilators offer an ingenious way to keep your Houston kitchen cool by recycling cool air from your air conditioning unit. Because ERVs are cool air conditioning units, this technology helps maintain comfort in the kitchen without sending energy bills through the roof. 

Mendiola's Energy-Saving Packages 

From various budget and need perspectives, Mendiola Remodeling and Construction offers custom energy saving packages to accommodate everyone. Below are details of our packages: 

Basic Upgrade $2,500–$5,000: Sealing ducts and upgrading to LED lighting for enhanced energy efficiency.

Premium Package Protection $15,000–$25,000: Preparing the house for a solar system, purchasing induction appliances alongside other energy efficiency upgrades.

We consult homeowners on the best kitchen appliances and solutions that are energy-efficient and cost-effective based on their specific needs. Explore our kitchen remodeling Houston works.

Conclusion – Power Your Kitchen Responsibly

Upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen appliances not only saves money, but helps the environment as well. Properly designed and constructed kitchens can be made highly functional and eco-friendly by incorporating modern, renewable appliances and responsive design. Count on Mendiola Remodeling & Construction to upgrade your kitchen in Houston using the best energy saving technologies available. Call us now for a no-obligation energy assessment and take the first step towards an energy-efficient kitchen.

Visit Mendiola Remodeling & Construction. Get a Free Estimate for your dream kitchen today!