Below are some water heating tips to remember as the cold weather approaches! (From Next Step Living)

Did you know that heating water accounts for up to 25 percent of your home’s energy use? Slash that cost while curbing your energy use:

1. Go low-flow. Low-flow showerheads are a great way to cut down on water consumption. You can get them as a complimentary quick fix during a home energy evaluation.) If you buy one yourself, look at how many gallons per minute (gpm) it uses. Even if it says “water saver” on the package, it may still be a water hog. Be sure to get one that uses about 1.7 gpm.
    
2. Turn it down. Check your hot-water heater settings. The temperature should be set to under 120 degrees, for efficiency and for safety. Many hot water heaters don’t show specific temperatures on their settings, though. So, if the settings are “A,” “B” or “C,” keep it at “A” or “B,” since “C” is most likely the hottest setting. Or, you can test the hot water in your sink with a thermometer, and then adjust your hot water heater. 
    

3. Keep warm.  Insulate the pipes that go to and from your hot water heater in an unfinished basement. Otherwise you’ll waste a lot of heat (and money) as your water moves through pipes in a cold basement. 

(Original article: http://www.homeenergy.tips/money-savers/three-ways-cut-your-hot-water-bill)