Regardless of how you heat your water, being efficient and conservative in your usage will reduce your energy bill or the required size of a solar hot water system. Some of the best places to start are:
- Repair leaky faucets
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets
- Insulate the water heater and hot water piping
- Install heat trap nipples on the water heater to prevent convective heat loss due to siphoning through the plumbing
- Decrease the water heater thermostat setting
- Put a timer on the hot water recirculating pump, if present
- Only wash full loads of clothes and dishes
- Wash clothes and dishes in cold or warm water
- Upgrade to a water-saving front-loading washing machine
