Did you know that water heating is the second largest energy user in the average home? The following tips can help you reduce the amount of water your family uses and the energy it takes heat it. You'll save money and reduce your impact on the environment.

1. Conserve

It's a simple premise: use less hot water and your water heater will use less energy. Take shorter showers and avoid pre-rinsing dishes. If you do pre-rinse, use cold water. Wash clothes using cold water whenever possible.

2. Lower the temperature of your water heater

Set your water heater temperature as low as 120°F. That's plenty to provide a comfortable flow of hot water, and for every 10-degree temperature reduction, you can save up to 5 percent in energy costs.

3. Fix leaks

Even a small leak can waste gallons of water per day. You can save significantly on water and energy costs by fixing leaks in faucets, shower heads and pipes.

4. Go low-flow

Install water-efficient fixtures, such as faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. These fixtures can help lower your water heating costs and reduce water usage by up to 60 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

5. Install energy-efficient appliances

Replace older dishwashers and clothes washers with new, ENERGY STAR® rated models, which use less water and are more energy efficient than standard units.

6. Upgrade to a high performance water heater

If your water heater is older or in need of repair, upgrade to a new ENERGY STAR® certified unit. ENERGY STAR certified storage waters are up to 8 percent more efficient than standard models. Advanced technologies, such as solar water heaters and heat pump water heaters, can save you even more.