Cut hot water costs with simple habit and hardware changes

Water heating is typically the second-largest energy expense in a home. Reducing hot water consumption and improving heater efficiency can meaningfully lower your bill.

Steps

1. Shorten your showers: Cutting even two minutes off each shower saves both water and the energy to heat it.
2. Install low-flow fixtures: Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduce hot water use without a noticeable drop in pressure.
3. Fix leaky faucets promptly: A steady drip of hot water wastes energy around the clock.
4. Lower the water heater thermostat to 120°F (49°C). Higher settings waste energy and increase scalding risk.
5. Insulate the tank and pipes: Wrap an older water heater with an insulation blanket (check manufacturer guidance) and insulate exposed hot water pipes to reduce standby heat loss.

Why It Works

Water heating accounts for 15–20% of household energy use. Combining conservation habits with simple efficiency upgrades attacks this cost from both sides.