As households face higher energy bills this winter following Ofgem's 0.2% price cap increase, EDF Energy has suggested a simple habit change that could cut costs. The energy provider advises reducing shower time to four minutes, claiming it could save around £60 a year on energy bills.
EDF's advice, published in a 2024 online guide, states: 'Cutting your shower time to 4 minutes can save you around £60 a year on energy bills.' The recommendation is supported by the Energy Saving Trust, which estimates that most households could save about £45 annually by limiting showers to four minutes, with savings rising to £65 in Northern Ireland.
The Energy Saving Trust explains that shorter showers reduce water volume and the energy needed to heat it, potentially conserving 17,000 litres of water per year. Both organisations also suggest swapping one bath a week for a shower or running shallower baths to save water.
Beyond showering, EDF and the Energy Saving Trust recommend draught-proofing homes by sealing gaps around doors, windows, and chimneys to prevent heat loss. Thermal cameras can help identify problem areas, showing warm spots in red and cold in blue. Professional thermal surveys cost around £300 for smaller homes and £750 for larger ones.
The energy price cap for England, Wales, and Scotland increased by 0.2% from January 1 to March 31, 2026, bringing typical dual-fuel bills to approximately £1,758 annually. Ofgem notes that actual amounts vary by location, meter type, and payment method, and encourages customers to explore tariff changes or payment plans if struggling to pay.
