Water Heaters

Tips

Install energy efficient showerheads in your bathrooms. One 10-minute shower per day with an energy efficient shower head can mean saving 10,000 gallons of water a year.
Attach low-flow aerators to kitchen and bathroom faucets: these save on average 4,000 gallons a year.
Repair all leaking faucets. For example, if you have an electric water heater, a faucet that leaks 30 drops of water per minute uses 18 kilowatt hours per month.
30 drops/minute = 84 gallons/month = 18 kWh/month
60 drops/minute = 168 gallons/month = 37 kWh/month
90 drops/minute = 253 gallons/month = 56 kWh/month
120 drops/minute = 337 gallons/month = 74 kWh/month
Avoid running water continuously while doing dishes, washing, brushing teeth or shaving. Try filling up the sink by using a stopper.
Showers generally use 50% less water than baths - but avoid long showers.
Most newer water heaters are well insulated. However, if the side of your water heater feels warm near the top, install an insulation blanket. Check your owner's manual to make sure this does not void manufacturer warranties.
Insulate the first three feet of water pipe coming out of the water heater to save on water heating costs.
Set your water heater at 120 degrees or less for normal use.
Wash clothes in cold or warm water and wash only full loads.
Use dishwasher's energy-saving wash and dry cycles if available.
Avoid running small loads in your dishwasher.
When going on vacation, reduce or lower the temperature on your water heater. Turn off your electric water heater at the circuit breaker or turn your gas water heater to the pilot setting. Many new water heaters have vacation settings.
Install toilet dams or water savers which can save between 10,000 - 14,000 gallons of water annually for a typical family of four.