With energy prices up again just in time for winter and households up and down the country still battling with high food prices and the impact of more tax rises on the horizon, it’s fair to say many are still trying to find ways to cut costs at home.
And energy experts have now advised households about a way to change your shower habits which is worth a saving of an eyewatering £18 per minute on average, whether you’re with British Gas, E.On, OVO, EDF or any other energy supplier.
While a lot of energy saving tips are fairly obvious, like turning down your thermostat or sealing off draughty windows, one tip about shower habits is surprisingly effective despite being so simple.
Home experts Posh.co.uk said that taking shorter showers is worth £18 a year back per minute you cut off your shower time.
That means cutting two minutes off your shower time would save £36 a year, and three minutes would be worth £54 a year, at an effective rate of £18 per minute saved.
That’s because showers, pumping out heated hot water, are actually one of the most expensive items to run in the household, but we only tend to use them for short bursts, so it’s not as obvious, unless you’re taking long showers and pushing up your bills without realising.
They said: “Long showers can contribute hugely to energy bills, reducing shower time by one minute on average can save £18 per household in a year. Turning water temperature down ever so slightly can also impact energy bills.”
Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk added: “Winter can be a difficult time for homeowners, as the festivities and colder evenings often result in higher bills. By considering your energy consumption at home, you can identify effective ways to save throughout the season.
“There are simple yet cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this winter, through insulating rooms and sealing draughts, families can enjoy a warm and comfortable home without the added heating bill to worry about.
“Maximising the efficiency of your heating when it’s on is essential for families to stay warm during winter without raising energy costs.”
He added that home owners should also make sure radiators are not blocked, that insulation is added to attic or loft spaces and that appliances should be unplugged instead of being left on standby.
It comes after Ofgem raised energy prices by 10 percent in October, while current predictions forecast a further increase of another 1 percent in January.
