Follow these helpful tips to conserve fuel with your water heater.

1. Upgrade to a high-efficiency Energy Star® qualified water heater.
2. Wash clothes in the coolest water possible — 80% of the cost to run your washer is for heating the water.
3. Take showers instead of baths. A five-minute shower will use about 7.5 gallons of hot water; filling a bathtub can use up to 20 gallons.
4. Choose a high-efficiency dishwasher — they use 25% less energy than conventional models.
5. Lower the temperature of your water heater from 140° to 120°. You'll save 3% to 5% in water heating costs for each 10° reduction.
6. Install water-conserving fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets.
7. Fix leaky hot water faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons per month — more than a person uses in two weeks.
8. Install a water heater blanket for greater heating efficiency.