Water heating is your second-largest energy use. It typically accounts for about 20 percent of the energy bill, but there are some simple steps you can take to start saving.
Turn down the temperature.
Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F–130°F to save energy and money, and save even more by turning it all the way down when you are on vacation.
Insulate exposed water pipes.
Insulate hot water pipes to deliver water 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes. This upgrade reduces heat loss, allows you to set your water at a lower temperature, and gets hot water to your faucets and showerheads faster.
Fix leaks.
Repair leaks in faucets, showerheads, and pipes. A leak of one drip per second wastes an incredible 1,661 gallons of water per year.
Save water.
For maximum efficiency, install showerheads with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute and faucet aerators with a flow rate of no more than 1 gallon per minute.
Learn more at epa.gov/watersense.