Water heating takes the bronze medal in terms of home energy expenses, potentially
comprising up to a quarter of home energy use. Using cold water whenever possible is an
easy way to save money on water heating.
Many tasks don't require hot water,
like
washing laundry, food, or your
hands. Preparing food, for instance, uses
an
average of 5 gallons of hot water! Get in the habit of turning the kitchen faucet handle
to the cold position,
even for a tiny bit
of water, suggests Wisconsin's Division of Energy
Services, because having it turned to the hot position uses energy on heating water that may not make
it out.