Many of us use hot water without a second thought. Between laundry, showers, dishes and other daily tasks, heating water can account for a significant portion of your home's energy use. The good news is, a few simple changes can reduce hot water use and lower your energy waste.
One of the easiest places to start is the laundry room. Summer often means more loads of laundry from things like going to the pool, playing sports and working in the garden. Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible saves energy and still gets most everyday loads clean.
Think about other daily habits. Shorter showers make a big difference. So does waiting until you have full loads to run the dishwasher.
Consider a few simple upgrades and maintenance tasks. Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of hot water used without sacrificing comfort. If you notice a dripping faucet or leaking hot water pipe, address it as soon as possible. Even minor leaks can waste both water and energy to heat it.
It’s also worth checking your water heater's temperature setting. Lowering the temperature reduces energy use and still provides plenty of hot water for everyday needs. Most households can safely set their water heater to 120 F. For additional savings, insulate your water heater and exposed hot water pipes to help water retain heat as it travels through your home.
These simple changes may seem small on their own, but together can lead to meaningful savings over time and keep your household running comfortably.
Learn more about energy-efficient water heating.
August PowerHouse Tip of the Month: Cut back on hot water use
Published on July 31, 2026