water heater

We leave ours on all the time - usually on electric. We have a 10 gallon and turning it on and off all the time to heat water actually uses more gas if using the gas mode - maybe electric too. Maintaining temperatures usually uses less energy that letting it get cold (especially when really cold out) and constantly reheating it when you want hot water. If very cold, it also helps protect the tank from freezing. Of course some of this will also depend on the insulation you have to retain heat in that area. Ours stays warm for a long time without the water heater having to kick on and run.