Whether it is spending a few extra minutes in the shower daily, leaving the water running while washing dishes, or washing clothes in hot water, many of us could benefit from learning how to improve our water consumption habits.

Water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home—accounting for about 18% of energy bills right after heating and cooling.

Over time, these habits add up, so it is no surprise that water heating is the second-largest energy expense in your home—accounting for about 18% of energy bills right after heating and cooling. However, by becoming more aware of how you use your heated water and making small adjustments, you can save on water heating costs that will pay off in the long run.

According to the Department of Energy, the tips below can help you conserve hot water and reduce your water heating expenses:

1Use Less Hot Water. Try not to run hot water excessively while taking showers. Shortening showers by a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons of hot water each month.

2Install low-flow faucets and shower heads. Consider replacing old shower heads with an energy-efficient low-flow shower head that produces 1.5 to 1.75 gallons of water per minute, which is less than the standard of 2.5 to 3.5 gallons per minute.

3Wash Clothes With Cold Water Instead of Hot. You can save up to 40 cents per load by using cold water.

4Check the size of your water heater. Make sure that your water heater is sized appropriately for the size of your family. Most homes come with a standard 40-gallon tank, but if you have four or more family members living in your home, you may need to upsize the tank.

5Insulate your hot water pipes and water heater. By insulating the water heater pipes, water will arrive at the faucet 2 to 4 degrees warmer, meaning you won’t have to wait as long for the water to heat up, thus saving water and money.

6Turn Down the Water Heater’s Thermostat. Before adjusting the water heater’s thermostat, cut off the power at its breaker. For most households, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient. However, for those with higher thermostat settings, remember with each 10-degree reduction, you can save up to 5% on your water heating costs.

7Turn off the water heater when you’re on vacation. Union Power promises to provide exceptional service to its members. That includes looking out for you by helping you save on your monthly energy bill—that’s the Cooperative difference!