Millions of British households are facing another difficult winter as energy costs continue to climb. Following a recent 0.2% increase to the Ofgem price cap, which came after a 2% rise in the final quarter of last year, finding ways to reduce consumption has never been more critical.
The Power of a Four-Minute Shower
In response to the ongoing cost-of-living pressure, major supplier British Gas has highlighted a remarkably straightforward piece of advice. The company suggests that by limiting shower time to just four minutes, families could save up to £70 a year on their energy bills.
This guidance targets a common habit, as research indicates many people spend up to ten minutes washing. Reducing this duration significantly cuts the energy required to heat the water. British Gas is not alone in promoting shorter showers; the Energy Saving Trust also champions the move, estimating typical savings of around £45 per year for most homes.
The environmental benefit is equally compelling. The Trust calculates that adopting a four-minute shower routine could also conserve approximately 17,000 litres of water annually for each household.
Beyond the Bathroom: Stopping Heat Escape
While managing water use is a great start, both British Gas and the Energy Saving Trust emphasise that draught-proofing is a crucial next step. This involves sealing gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys to prevent expensive warm air from escaping.
Ignoring these leaks often leads to constantly turning up the thermostat. A highly effective tool for identifying problem areas is a thermal imaging camera, which visually displays heat loss by showing surface temperatures in colours from red (warm) to blue (cold).
Many local councils offer these cameras for free loan. Furthermore, British Gas provides thermal imaging checks for £99, while Octopus Energy has run a free borrowing scheme, which it has currently paused to prioritise those most in need for Winter 2025. The company reported sending cameras to nearly 5,000 customers to help them practically identify savings.
Taking Further Action on Energy Efficiency
For those able to invest more, a professional thermal survey can provide a comprehensive assessment. Organisations like Which? estimate costs ranging from £300 for smaller properties to £750 for larger homes, recommending their Home Energy Planning Service to find suitable options.
The overarching message from energy experts is clear: small behavioural changes, combined with targeted home improvements, can lead to substantial financial relief. As winter continues, implementing these tips could make a meaningful difference to household budgets strained by record-high energy bills.
For a full suite of energy-saving recommendations, consumers are directed to the official websites of the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas, and Octopus Energy.
