 TITLE: How to Lower Your Energy Bill CONTENT: How to Save on Hot Water\n------------------------\nAccording to Energy.gov, water heating makes up 18% of the average home's energy use. Even if you live in an area that doesn't assess a fee for water usage, you still have to pay to heat it up. Here are some simple ways to scale back on hot water usage and save money:\n*   **Use cold water for laundry.** Cold water can help prevent shrinking and fading of clothes and other items, and you'll avoid using extra energy to heat up the water. Also, washing full loads will help cut your energy and water usage.\n*   **Adjust the temperature on your water heater.** Manufacturers typically advise setting your water heater temperature to 140 degrees—but reducing the temperature to 120 degrees is sufficient for most households, and reduces the chance of scalding. Lowering the temperature can also prolong the life of your water heater by reducing mineral buildup and corrosion.\n*   **Fix leaky faucets.** A single drip per second accounts for 1,661 gallons of water and costs up to $35 per year, according to Energy.gov.\n*   **Install reduced-flow fixtures.** Simply buying new showerheads, which can cost as little as $10 to $20 each, could net you water savings of up to 60%.\n*   **Use hot water more efficiently.** Avoid lengthy hot showers and only run the dishwasher when it's completely full. END