- 1). Turn the temperature on the hot water heater down. The Brave New Leaf eco-friendly blog states that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommended temperature setting for optimum efficiency on most hot water heaters.
- 2). Adjust the timer on your hot water pumping system so that hot water isn't being circulated (and thereby cooled) when it is not needed.
- 3). Place a hot water jacket around the hot water heater to help keep it and its contents warm. Make sure the jacket is appropriate for a gas hot water heater. Using the wrong kind of jacket can create a fire hazard.
- 4). Wash your laundry in cold water. Sheets, diapers and grease-stained clothes are the only items that you need to wash in hot water.
- 5). Empty and clean your hot water tank once a year.
- 6). Consider replacing your traditional hot water heater with a more efficient, tankless unit.
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