Water Heating Energy-Saving Tips
Looking for ways to save? Try these tips.
No Cost
- Use cold water to wash clothes.
- Reduce loads. Wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher. Wash a full load of clothes in the clothes washer.
- Use short showers instead of baths.
- Set water heater at 120˚F at your sink.
- Turn gas water heater control down to vacation or pilot setting when gone for two or more days. Turn off electric water heater at breaker.
Low Cost
- Replace showerheads made before 1994. Look for a style that uses 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) or less.
- Fix leaky faucets. Use faucet aerators to reduce water flow to 1.5 gallons per minute or less.
- Insulate the first 5 feet of cold water pipes and all hot water pipes. Start 3 inches above the flue vent opening.
Higher Cost, Bigger Savings
- Switch from electric to natural gas water heater.
- Look for an ENERGY STAR® water heater when it’s time to replace your current equipment.
