Household CO₂ Savings-Water Heating Measures

Americans spend over $15 billion per annum to heat residential water. Rocky Mountain Institute estimates that two-thirds or more of this expense and energy could be saved-and a corresponding amount of carbon-dioxide emissions avoided—if all households implemented the simple and cost-effective improvements shown below.

Tips to save water, energy and money include reducing the amount of water used by installing efficient showerheads and faucets; improving the efficiency of the hot water supply by turning down the water heater's thermostat (aquastat) and insulating the water heater with an insulating blanket; and, when buying a new water heater, seeking out the most efficient and properly-sized type with the lowest life-cycle cost. With much-improved performance of tankless water heaters, consider this option if you're in the market for a new unit.