Hot water
The water heater setting, the flow at the showerhead and when a heat pump water heater fits.
Free
- Set the water heater to 120°F and check it at the tap
DOE's 2022 guide calls 120°F safe for most people, and EPA says turning a water heater down to 120°F cuts water heating costs 6 to 10 percent. Check it at the tap.
Small buy
- A WaterSense showerhead could save an average family over 330 kWh a year
Time one gallon from your showerhead: 60 ÷ seconds is gpm. EPA says an average family could save over 330 kWh a year with WaterSense heads, 2.0 gpm or less.
Bigger job
- A heat pump water heater needs a 40 to 90°F space and 1,000 cubic feet
ENERGY STAR says a heat pump water heater needs a space that stays 40 to 90°F all year and 1,000 cubic feet of air; colder rooms cut its efficiency.