The Temporary Kitchen
Kitchen remodels can take weeks so it’s a good idea to have a place set up with at least a microwave, a coffee pot and a toaster if you don't want to eat every meal out.

• Set up your temporary kitchen in the dining room or a room adjacent to your current kitchen. You'll probably want to either move your existing refrigerator into this room or install a mini-fridge. You most likely won't be able to run all these appliances at once unless you have some dedicated receptacle circuits in that area. 
• Stock up on some paper plates and disposable cups to minimize having to wash dishes in your bathroom sink.
• Change Your Layout
• Today, kitchens often serve as home offices, places where the kids do homework and as unofficial entertainment centers. Let the way you use your kitchen guide its new layout. 
• Adding an island provides multiple work stations and allows everyone to share in the fun of cooking and food preparation. If possible, add power outlets and a sink to your island to make it even more functional. 
• If your kitchen is too tight for a full-size table, consider a restaurant-style booth tucked in the corner. 
• If you have space for a kitchen table but don’t ever use it, install a breakfast bar and use the additional space as a sitting room, home office or as extension of the room adjacent to it. 
• Accommodate a home computer, phone and other office basics by trading counter space for a built-in kitchen desk.

• Replace kitchen appliances with ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. They incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. 
• For maximum efficiency and great looks, choose natural gas appliances such as ovens, ranges, cooktops and dishwashers. Depending on the look you're after, consider either built-in or free-standing appliance styles. Coordinate your appliances with your cabinetry with the use of specially designed panels. Or, go for a color-coordinated look, something more industrial, something retro or even commercial grade.
• Take advantage of new technologies and design options too, like hidden control panels, precision and programmable heating and cooling controls and interactive touch screens. 
• Think about where you're installing your new appliances. For example, install the dishwasher away from the refrigerator. The dishwasher's heat and moisture make the refrigerator work harder. Keep your refrigerator away from other heat sources such as direct sunlight. 
• Never run out of hot water by installing an efficient natural gas water heater. Consider a tankless model. It can be mounted inside a closet or on the exterior of a home freeing up valuable floor and closet space. The unit can be placed in a recessed box, flush-mounted and painted or textured to match the exterior of the home. Outside units are specially equipped to withstand sub freezing temperatures. Should your unit ever need servicing, a PSNC Energy Certified technician can run a diagnostic outdoors without having to enter your home. 
• If you'll be opening or moving your kitchen walls, use the opportunity to add insulation and air sealing. It will improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home. 
• If you're replacing the windows, doors and skylights, make sure you install those with the ENERGY STAR label. They are twice as efficient as the average windows manufactured just 10 years ago. 
• Keep in mind that windows and skylights are also the most energy-efficient method of clearing vapors and indoor air toxins from your kitchen. With enough openings, placed for cross and stack ventilation, you can run your exhaust fan only to evacuate the heaviest cooking odors. 
• Daylight is the highest quality lighting, and it's free! With work surfaces near windows or skylights, you won't need to use artificial lighting during the day, so you'll save energy. You'll also have views and a connection to the outside.

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• Opt for waist-high, sliding shelves that hold mixers and toasters. Your small appliances can remain hidden in these shelves and still be easily accessible. 
• Convert a closet outside the kitchen area to store your cutlery, pots and infrequently used items. 
• Use a rollout pantry that can be pulled out to view the items you have, but rolled back into a space. 
• Add options at a later date to defray some of the initial cost. Some that are easy to add include tilt front doors, spice racks and slide out wire baskets. 
• If your budget is tight and you want to give a new look to your kitchen cabinet, you have the option of re-facing, which involves replacing or veneering the parts of the cabinet that are visible all the time. Therefore, the cabinet boxes - called the cases - stay in their current layout, but get a new finish with veneer. Other parts, such as drawer fronts and cabinet doors, get completely replaced.

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• Under counter lighting provides practical task lighting and creates an appealing ambiance. Recessed lighting creates a cleaner, contemporary look. 
• Unique hanging fixtures can give your kitchen its own character, whether you choose something funky and fun or something more traditional. 
• Look for ENERGY STAR qualified or other energy efficient light fixtures, including suspended lights, ceiling-mounted lights, cabinet lights, recessed lights, and compact fluorescent bulbs.

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We Can Do It All For You!
PSNC Energy’s experts can handle it all for you, from helping you find just the right appliances for your newly remodeled kitchen or bath to installing them properly and safely.
 
Click here to see examples of the products available from PSNC Energy. We can also install and repair appliances, even if you didn't buy them from us.

For more information or to schedule appliance repair service, call toll-free
1-866-546-5369 today. Free in-home estimates are available for installations.

The preceding content is provided for informational purposes only. PSNC Energy does not provide specific remodeling services or endorse any contractors or builders.
 
PSNC Energy appliance sales, installation, maintenance, and repair are not a part of the regulated services offered by PSNC Energy and are not in any way sanctioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. There is no advantage to customers of PSNC Energy if they buy these products or services from PSNC Energy. A customer does not have to buy such products or services in order to continue to receive the same safe and reliable natural gas service from PSNC Energy.