Octopus Energy has highlighted three shower habits that could save homeowners up to £80 a year on their energy bills. The energy supplier recommends reducing shower time and making small adjustments that can add up to significant savings.
The amount of time spent in the shower directly affects both water and energy costs. Cutting back on long, hot showers can lead to lower bills for households looking to reduce expenses.
Four-Minute Shower Savings
With colder weather approaching and the price cap having recently risen, lowering expenses is a priority for many households. On its website, Octopus Energy said: "Keeping your shower time to just four minutes could save a typical household £45 a year."
The guidance comes from the Energy Saving Trust, a UK-based organisation that has promoted energy efficiency since 1992. The trust claims that taking a four-minute shower "could save a typical household in Great Britain £45 a year".
The average household would "also save 17,000 litres of water a year", resulting in water bill savings too. Research indicates that many people spend up to 10 minutes in the shower, so reducing this to four minutes could significantly cut energy consumption and lower bills.
Picking a Shower Over a Bath
The trust suggests using a simple kitchen timer to stay on track. Alternatively, for those who enjoy singing, picking a four-minute song and leaving the bathroom when it ends could help.
The trust also recommends choosing a shower over a bath to reduce water and energy costs. It said: "Some of us might enjoy a long soak in the bath, but swapping just one bath a week with a four-minute shower could save you £10 a year in Great Britain."
Upgrading the Shower Head
The energy supplier supports replacing the shower head, as it may be adding to homeowners' energy expenses. The company said: "Swapping out a standard shower head can save an extra £25 per year on energy and water heating."
Phil Steele, Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy, also shared a technique to help homeowners stay warm without heavy central heating use. He proposes implementing a '6.30pm rule'.
He said: "Something as simple as closing your curtains when it gets dark can help keep warmth inside your home, particularly if you have thick or thermal curtains. Just make sure they don't hang over your radiators, as this can trap heat behind them rather than warming the room."
Major firms such as British Gas, Octopus Energy and EDF offer energy support schemes for customers facing financial difficulties and can provide grants to help pay off energy debts.
