Did you know you can use less electricity by replacing old water heaters with newer, more energy-efficient models? Old inefficient water heaters can account for almost 18% of your energy usage. For additional energy savings:

• Drain a bucket of water from the bottom of the heater twice a year. The bottom can fill with sediment, which separates water from the heating element.

• Invest in an inexpensive water heater blanket or insulation kit, especially for older heaters.

• Before buying a new water heater, estimate your family’s needs. A family of up to four should buy a 30- to 50-gallon tank, while a larger family may require a larger tank.

• If your house is more than two levels, or if the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room are spaced far apart, it might be more efficient to invest in a smaller water heater for each level.

• Set the water heater’s temperature at 120 degrees or lower; this prevents scalding and standby heat loss and can lower your water heating bill by 10 percent.