After a hectic and tiring day at work, a relaxing warm shower is the most rejuvenating activity. But did you know that water heaters contribute to approximately 18% of your total electricity bills? Well, hot water has become the need of the hour. A study revealed that water heaters are the second-highest source of energy used at home. Warm showers, cleaning dishes, washing clothes are associated with the use of hot water. How about saving some extra bucks on your utility bills? Saving energy and money can help you create an efficient home.  Let's go through some water heater tips that will help you save energy and money. 

1. Lower the thermostat's temperature - Most manufacturers set the thermostat's temperature at 140-degree celsius, but it is advisable to lower the temperature to 120-degrees celsius. Lowering the temperature of the thermostat does not bring a substantial difference in the temperature of the water. It helps cut down the electricity bills, reduces scalding, and slows down mineral buildup and corrosion. 
2. Insulating the tank - It is a good practice to protect the tank to prevent heat loss. Once the heat is preserved, it is not required to turn on the water heater frequently. It is preferable to follow the manufacturer's instructions before insulating the tank. 
3. Installation of heat traps - The recently designed water heaters are already equipped with heat traps. But if your water is ten years old, you might want to consider installing heat traps. Installing a heat trap is an excellent method to save energy. If your water heater is old and in good condition, you can install heat traps. Heat traps allow cold water to flow inside the tank and prevent the hot water from escaping. It also avoids any unwanted convection from flowing out from the tank. 
4. Reduce hot water consumption - Did you know that washing clothes with hot water can damage clothes? Using cold water for washing clothes, cleaning dishes, and brushing teeth is a viable option. This technique helps in cutting down the electricity bills to a considerable effect. 
5. Repair leaky faucets - Did you know that most houses lose 90 gallons of water each day due to indoor and outdoor faucets and plumbing leaks. Getting faucets repaired and keeping a continuous check on leakages can help you save hot water, which in turn enables you to save a couple of bucks on your electricity bills.
6. Drain the tank - Draining the tank helps in removing sediment buildup. This buildup hinders heat transfer and lowers down the efficiency of the water heater. It would be best to constantly clean the tank once a year to avoid any settling of sediments. Please follow the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning the tank. 
7. Install a timer - Traditional water heaters are always switched on and running, contributing to wastage of energy and increasing your electricity bills. You can install a timer that automatically turns off the water heater once it reaches the set time. This method is an excellent strategy to conserve energy and money. It also increases the durability of the water heater. 
8. Insulation of pipes - Just insulating the tanks is not enough. Insulating the pipes connected to the water heater is a good practice to save energy. The tube should be insulated to the first six feet of hot and cold water. You do not have to switch on the water heater frequently as it prevents heat loss. It also protects from any fire hazards or mishaps. 
9. Replace old devices that use hot water - It is time to bid farewell to your traditional washing machines and dishwashers. Old appliances are equipped with outdated technology that consumes a lot of hot water, increasing your electricity bills. Investing in new home appliances is a good idea as they are designed using the latest technology. Most of the recently developed home appliances are energy efficient, and they use less water.
10. Invest in an efficient water heater - The market is inundated with new water heaters that are pretty efficient in saving energy. Traditional water heaters are incapable of saving electricity. So, investing in an energy-efficient water heater can help you save money and electricity.