Install a solar water heater:

• By using sunshine to heat or preheat your water, you can cut your water heating bill in half. This means you can save $140 annually or $2,900 over the lifetime of the water heater, if you combine solar with a backup gas storage water heater instead of using the gas water heater alone. If you have an electric tank water heater for back-up, you’ll save about $280 or $5,200 over the lifetime of the water heater each year on electricity bills. Large families with greater hot water needs can save even more. You can also save money by showering in the evening when the water is hotter. ENERGY STAR certified solar water heaters can cut your carbon dioxide emissions in half. Installing a certified solar water heater will prevent 4,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually. This is the equivalent of not driving your car for four months every year! The average life expectancy of certified solar water heating systems is 20 years, much longer than standard gas or electric storage water heaters.