In a typical home, water heating is the second-biggest energy user after air conditioning.  It accounts for about 13 percent of your energy bill.   Here’s what you can do to use less hot water and save money:

• Reduce hot water consumption:

   o Turn off the hot water while you’re hand-washing dishes or shaving.

   o Take showers instead of baths (a five-minute, low-flow shower uses 10 to 15 gallons of hot water, while a bath uses 15 to 25 gallons).

   o Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, or add flow-restricting faucet aerators to existing faucets.

   o Use cold water to wash clothes whenever possible.

• Lower your water temperature.  You’ll save 3 to 5 percent on annual water-heating costs for every 10 degrees.  CPS Energy recommends a water heater setting of 140 degrees.

• On electric water heaters, install an automatic timer that will turn hot water off at night and on again in the morning.

• Remove sediment by draining a quart of water from your hot water tank every three months.  See your water heater owner’s manual for directions.