Just like many devices today, water heaters come in a “smart” version, equipped with technology that saves money and energy while giving you remote control.

Those savings can add up; about 12 percent of a home’s energy cost goes to paying for hot water, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Smart water heaters study your family’s hot water usage and make adjustments to prevent energy and water usage.

“As your patterns change, the smart system adapts to meet your needs. For example, if you switch to nightly baths instead of morning showers, the smart system will recognize and adjust,” says the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership, a nonprofit working to promote energy efficiency.

An app lets homeowners be as hands-on or hands-off as they wish.

Alert system

Sensors on smart water heaters also offer protection against unwanted surprises.

“If something goes wrong with your water heater, the system will alert you via the app. You can choose which alerts you want to get, like warnings about leaks or system failures,” NEEP said.

All this technology means a smart water heater will cost more to purchase than a typical water heater, but you will benefit in the long run by saving money on utility bills. In addition, you will be putting less stress on the environment.