From gym clothes to water glasses to little Johnny, there’s no shortage of washing to do around the home—all of which takes energy. Just making hot water uses about 15 percent of your home energy budget.

Many new innovations in the cleaning department save energy. One of the simplest and least expensive is a low-flow shower head—a familiar technology that has improved from earlier versions. It can cut your shower water use in half while maintaining the same pressure as before.

Power$mart Tips : Put the Power in Your Hands

If you are in the market for new appliances, look for ENERGY STAR® qualified products with these energy-saving features:

• Dishwashers that use soil sensors to shorten the washing cycle, saving water and energy.
• Clothes dryers that have moisture sensors, turning off the unit when the clothes are dry.
• Clothes washers that use less water and energy than less efficient models.
• Set your hot water heater thermostat at 120 degrees. It’s hot enough for most needs—including dishwashers, which generally are made with booster heaters—and it cuts down on energy needed to keep water hot in the tank.
• Wrap your hot water tank in an insulating “blanket” if it feels warm to the touch.
• Use cold water for laundry to save up to $63 a year. Today’s cold water detergents do a good job.
• Wash only when you have full loads.