Many Americans are trying to conserve energy as they see rising utility and gas prices.

Water systems can leak money out of your home. High-flow showerheads and faucets can waste thousands of gallons every minute. Water leaks even small can cause water damage that can result in thousands of dollars worth of wasted water.

Homeowners can repair leaks and install low-flow faucets and toilets. Rain gardens are also a good way to reduce erosion. Heating water can also be expensive. People prefer to have warm showers, even if they are low-flow.

Energy Star, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Program, says that high-efficiency water heaters use between 10 and 50 percent less energy per unit than regular units. What does this mean? A water heater that works at 80 percent efficiency will waste 20 cents for every dollar it spends on warm water.

It is common for people to be hesitant about spending the money required to install a high efficiency water heater. The true cost of a water heater is its purchase, installation, maintenance, and energy consumption. A newer water heater may cost more upfront but most units are so efficient that they can be paid for within one year.

One company, A.O. Smith is a company that makes efficient water heaters for homeowners. The Vertext 100, its newest product is 96 percent efficient and saves homeowners money as well as the Earth’s resources.

To draw in outdoor air, the water heater uses a venting system. Combination burner-blower forces hot gas into a coil heat exchangingr. A coil has a greater surface area than a tube so heat transfer can occur in a smaller space. Vertex 100 keeps hot gases longer than other units so that it uses less energy.

The Vertex 100 records its performance and displays its functions on a backlit LCD screen. Owners can see how much they have saved by comparing it to their previous results.