Good suggestions Steve. What a great last name for a realtor! Another good suggestion... just use less hot water.  Many people let the water run til it gets hot. And take very long showers.  Turn off the water sooner or when you are lathering...then turn it back on. Best Regards Steve Gladstone 

Home Heating Tips

• Heating is the single biggest energy use in homes. A well maintained heating system will hold down fuel costs and provide reliable comfort.
• Thermostats should be located on an inside wall or where they will not be subject to draft or heat.
• Use door snakes to reduce drafts.
• Block off your open fireplace when not in use.
• Capture as much sunlight as possible.
• Close curtains before dark to keep heat in.
• Use and extra blanket if a bit cold.
• The many small openings in a home can add up to big heat losses. Caulking and weather stripping cracks in walls and floors, windows and doors will save fuel and money.
• Use ceiling fans to distribute the heat throughout your home.
• Proper insulation in walls, ceilings and floors also significantly reduces the loss of heat to the outdoors. Insulation will pay for itself in fuel cost savings and home comfort.
• Storm windows and doors are big energy and money savers. They can reduce heating costs by as much as !5% by preventing warm air from escaping to the outside. Double glazed and thermopane windows can minimize heat escape.

Water Heating Tips

• Fix dripping faucets and start saving money today.
• Adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater so the water at the tap is no more than 50 degrees C.
• Use cold water when filling the kettle and only heat the amount you need.
• Take showers instead of baths and save 5%.
• Wrap your hot water heater with an insulation wrapper and save 5% or $58 per year.
• Fit water saving shower heads and save $48 per year on average. http://www.oilforless.com

Good advice.

I'm looking into the tankless for my next water heater upgrade.

Cheri:  I have a client who just picked up a tankless and he loves it!  Let us know how it works out for you!

Steve,

Good blog.

Electric Water Heater Timers

I recommend for those home owners who have electric waters to install an electric water heater timer. One manufacturer that I'm aware of, and perhaps the only one in the common market, is Intermatic. The unit costs about $30 bucks from Home Depot. I have one installed on my water heater. It has a manual timer off switch too.

Cheers, KIM.  The WebTV Realtor.