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Heating, Cooling, and Water

Saving energy doesn't mean freezing in the winter or sweating all summer long. You can save energy and money while improving the environment in your home. In this section you'll find tips for updating and maintaining your home for increased energy efficiency all year long.

1. Install water-heater wrap per manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drain one to two gallons from the bottom of your water heater each year to reduce sediment build-up.
3. Insulate exposed hot water lines.
4. Set your water heater to 120 degrees F.
5. Make sure electric water heaters are on your local electric cooperative's money-saving off-peak usage program.
6. Verify that livestock tank heaters are off when not needed.
7. Promptly repair dripping faucets. One drop a second can waste as much as 48 gallons of water a week. If the faucet leaks hot water, you're also wasting the energy used to heat it while depleting your hot water reserves.

Find out how much energy you're using and get even more tips using our Heating and Cooling System Comparison Calculators.