For the water heater, we installed a timer. The timer turns the elec. water heater on about 5 AM for morning before work showers. The timer turns it off at 8 AM, but the water stays hot to warm all day long. Longer with the blanket on it. We save over $100 per month on our electricity by doing this. You might want to add this idea to your list. Thx Bob Ashworth, bob7rob7@aol.com