According to SRP, up to 20% of their average customer’s annual energy usage goes towards producing hot water for every day tasks such as laundry, bathing, cooking and dishwashing.  Employing a few simple tips can help you save money while also saving water and energy.

• Identify and repair all leaky water faucets.  A slow drip can leak hundreds of gallons of water per year.  If it’s a hot water leak, both the water and heating it will cost you money.  Be sure to turn off faucets completely and teach your kids to properly turn off faucets.
• Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees.  Lowering the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees can save you up to $7 per month.  Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can also reduce the risk of scalding accidents, which are especially a concern with young children and the elderly.
• If you participate in a peak-hour type program with your electric company, you should consider installing a timer on your water heater.  Set the timer in a manner that will prevent the water heater from cycling on during the expensive, on-peak hours.
• Instead of taking baths, take short showers.  A bath can use 15-25 gallons of water, while an average 5-minute shower uses less than 10 gallons.
• Consider installing low-flow faucets or aerators in your kitchen and/or bathroom.  This can reduce consumption of hot water by up to 35%.

The above figures are based on a typical SRP customer with an electric water heater.  However, saving hot water can also save you money if you have a gas water heater!

Source:  SRP’s Contact, February 2006