• Always wash with cold water, laundry detergent works just as well.
• Check your hot water pipes for leaks, which can drain your energy savings.
• Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads – available at home improvement stores – to reduce your hot water use.
• Turn off your water heater until if you plan on leaving home for a few days. And you get back. Most models will reheat the water to the set temperature in about an hour.
• Shorten those showers to cut hot water costs.
• Insulate the first six feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater. It’ll keep your comfort high and your energy bills low.
• Install a solar water heater to save energy and money by using solar power.
• Get an insulation wrap to help your old water heater heat in more effectively.
• Reduce your water heater temperature setting from 60 degrees to 48 degrees — it will save you money while keeping water hot enough for showers and cleaning dishes.
• Look for the EnergyGuide label when purchasing a new water heater — if a more efficient heater is more expensive, you'll save money over time.
• Make sure you are washing a full load if you like using hot water for your laundry.
• Stop that dripping hot water faucet. Leaky faucets not only increase water bills but also increase gas or electricity use for heating the wasted water.
• Install a timer for your water heater that will turn it off when you are not at home.
• Choose the right water heater for your needs. While they may promise savings, tankless models are pricey to install – and on-demand water heaters may actually increase your electric bill.