Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads.

Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period of time.

Lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 120°F provides comfortable hot water for most uses.

Insulate your electric hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations

Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.

If you are in the market for a new dishwasher or clothes washer, consider buying an efficient, water-saving model to reduce hot water use

Install heat traps on the hot and cold pipes at the water heater to prevent heat loss. Some new water heaters have built-in heat traps.

Consider demand or tankless water heaters. Researchers have found savings can be as much as 34% compared with a standard electric storage tank water heater.

Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household. You use 15-25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 10 gallons during a 5-minute shower.

Drain a quart of water from your water tank every 3 months to remove sediment that impedes heat transfer and lowers the efficiency of your heater. The type of water tank you have determines the steps to take, so follow the manufacturer's advice.

Although most water heaters last 10-15 years, it's best to start shopping for a new one if yours is more than 7 years old. Doing some research before your heater fails will enable you to select one that most appropriately meets your needs.

Turn off the water while you are: washing your hair, brushing your teeth, shaving, and otherwise lathering up while in the bath or shower.

Wash only full loads of laundry.

Wash clothing in cold water, and use only the water temperature necessary to remove soils or for adequate sanitation.

Run only full loads in the dishwasher, use your energy saving features.

Avoid running water when doing dishes.