Use less hot water and you'll not only save on energy costs, you will reduce your water bill and help preserve natural resources, too. Run your automatic dishwasher only when full and wash and rinse full loads of laundry in cold water. Install low-flow showerheads, and don't forget to check for and repair plumbing leaks.
- Skill level: Basic
- All it takes is a few changes in your normal habits and a small investment or two to start using a lot less energy.
- Cost range: Varies
- Using less hot water is free in most cases. Even installing a low-flow showerhead is an affordable way to reduce water consumption during a typical shower by half.
- Savings: Varies
- Replacing older showerheads with low-flow units can save 15,000 gallons of water a year and $145-$150 a year in water heating costs. And a faucet that leaks one drip of hot water per second can waste 400 gallons of water a year and $8 in water heating costs alone.
