Whether they like it or not, homeowners need to use hot water everyday. As such, water heating may make up a considerable amount of a home’s energy bill, especially when consumers are using an older water heater. Those that want to cash in on some home energy savings can try some energy-efficient ideas that may lower their monthly utility bills.

One way to ensure a water heater is working in the most energy efficient fashion is to keep up with routine maintenance. While many homeowners may not want to spend the time and money to find a contractor, they could save dough in the long run by keeping up with maintenance, according to Lowermyenergybill.com. Furthermore, they may lessen their chances of losing hot water mid-shower - which may be worthwhile enough for some individuals.

Sometimes homeowners need to spend a little to save a little money. While buying things like appliances and home computers can set individuals back some, having updated electronics can make for home energy savings and greater ease of living.

When families do decide to go ahead and make a large purchase, they may often pass up on extended warranties in an effort to increase home savings. While some experts may claim that these extended protections are not worth their weight in fees, others assert that the product security is a necessary investment, according to N.E.W. Customer Service Companies.

This opinion sits slightly in contrast to a recent Consumer Reports study that declared extended warranties were not worthwhile on the whole. While these differing opinions may confuse some homeowners, it may be best to make the decision on extended warranties based upon what items are being purchased.

While laundry is typically the last thing most homeowners want to think about, adding a laundry room to a house can make for home savings, especially for families who do an average of 400 loads of laundry each year, according to Energy Star.

Those that already have a laundry room that invites moans and groans come laundry day may want to consider sprucing up the space, and possibly the appliances, to make the chore less of a hassle. New homeowners that have been dragging their clothes to a local laundromat each week can save their quarters with at-home washing and drying.

Most homeowners spend a small fortune heating and cooling their home. While many individuals may pull out all of the stops when it comes to insulating their property and buying the right heating and cooling systems, they may be letting all of that hot - or cool - air float right back out their front door.

That is because old or aging doors could be sapping a home of much of its temperature-controlled air, which can cause homeowners to expend more resources than would otherwise be necessary to keep their abode comfortable. Replacing exterior doors can help improve home energy savings by keeping temperatures even.

Handy do-it-yourself homeowners could replace old doors with a home-crafted new core. A core is a door that has not been cut and has no doorknobs or hinges attached. Individuals can pick cores up at lumber yards and use their existing door as a guideline when cutting the new entryway, according to BobVila.com

Those that want to forgo cutting and designing a door could buy a prefabricated model that would be ready to hang right out of the package, the source explains. Those looking for more home energy savings ideas may even want to purchase an Energy Star-certified door.

Energy Star-approved products can increase efficiency by protecting a home's interior from outdoor temperatures. This means no more chilly drafts or bursts of hot air will invade a home once a certified product is installed. Some of the [E]nergy Star-certified doors also have a special coating that can act as sunscreen, according to Energy Star.

Like many Energy Star products, certified doors may come with a tax rebate. Homeowners that choose to go green can deduct 10 percent of the purchase price off their new door, up to $500, from the annual tax return. However, the cost of installation may not always be subject to this credit, according to the source.

Homeowners can also do the home remodeling on their own in an effort to increase home savings when it comes to getting a new front door, according to The Family Handy Man. Individuals should mark the spot on the wall where hinges will be attached and be sure to leave enough room for the door to clear any flooring obstacles like carpets.

Once everything is marked and the door is leveled, hinges can be screwed into both the wall and door, according to the source.