Around The House

Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. This not only can cut water use by 40 percent, but I also means you don’t use as much hot water, which saves money on your energy bill, too.

Set your water heater thermostat at 120 degrees F if your dishwasher hast its own heater or if you don’t have a dishwasher.

Drain a gallon of water twice a year through the bottom of your water heater. This will remove calcium carbonate sediment that can eventually cause heating element failure.

When you can, replace incandescent lighting with fluorescents. While the fluorescent bulbs do cost more, they don’t use as much energy and last much longer.

Don’t use more light than you need. And remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Repair leaky faucets promptly to save on water costs, and energy costs if leak is on the hot water side.