The water heater is the second biggest energy user in the home. A family of 4, each showering 5 minutes a day, uses 700 gallons of water a week. Heating that water can cost up to $33 a month.

• To cut costs, install a low-flow shower head. It can save $2 a month for each person in the household.
• Turn the water heater thermostat down to 115°F. This will not only save energy, but will prevent minor burns.
• Take showers over baths. Showers use half as much hot water as a full bathtub.
• Fixing hot water leaks can save not just on water, but on heating costs as well. One drop per second from a leaky faucet can waste as much as 60 gallons a week.