Bathroom
Did you know that our water use at home contributes to energy bills?
Taking steps to save water can not only reduce our water bills (if you’re on a water meter), but it can also reduce energy bills and our impact on the environment.
Why should we save water? 👉Water is a precious resource – but it can’t be taken for granted. Climate change, and the more extreme weather that comes with it, means that water supply is becoming more unpredictable than in years gone by. Read more about why we should be saving water here.
Read on for our top tips to help you save energy and water at home in the bathroom. 🚿👇
Use bathroom ventilating fans sparingly
Whilst these are extremely important to avoid damp/mould etc, there are a couple things you can do to save energy. Once they’ve cleared any condensation, turn them off. Leaving them on too long lets them quickly suck the heat out of the room meaning your heating will have to try harder to heat the room.
Try a four minute shower
Showering accounts for 1/4 of household water use. Having shorter showers will reduce the water that goes down the drain, as well as saving you money on the energy used to heat the water. Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household* £95 a year on their bills – and an extra £60 on their water bill, if metered. A great way to try this is by playing your favourite song as you get in the shower and get out once it's finished! [Energy Saving Trust. *typical household based on 2.39 people]
Reduce your baths
Some of us might enjoy a long soak in the bath, but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £20 a year on your energy bills from not having to heat the water – and an extra £11 on your water bills too! [Energy Saving Trust]
Try some free water saving devices
Water companies usually offer water saving devices such as cistern displacement bags and low flow tap fittings for free to help their customers use less water and energy at home. Have a look on your water company's website to see what they offer!
Use bathroom ventilating fans sparingly
Whilst these are extremely important to avoid damp/mould etc, there are a couple things you can do to save energy. Once they’ve cleared any condensation, turn them off. Leaving them on too long lets them quickly suck the heat out of the room meaning your heating will have to try harder to heat the room.
Try a four minute shower
Showering accounts for 1/4 of household water use. Having shorter showers will reduce the water that goes down the drain, as well as saving you money on the energy used to heat the water. Keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household* £95 a year on their bills – and an extra £60 on their water bill, if metered. A great way to try this is by playing your favourite song as you get in the shower and get out once it's finished! [Energy Saving Trust. *typical household based on 2.39 people]
Reduce your baths
Some of us might enjoy a long soak in the bath, but swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £20 a year on your energy bills from not having to heat the water – and an extra £11 on your water bills too! [Energy Saving Trust]
Try some free water saving devices
Water companies usually offer water saving devices such as cistern displacement bags and low flow tap fittings for free to help their customers use less water and energy at home. Have a look on your water company's website to see what they offer!
Swap to an energy efficient shower head
In the UK, the average shower takes around 8 minutes and will use an estimated 60 litres of water [EDF Energy]. An energy-efficient shower head could reduce the amount of water you use even further. When you're using less water, you need less energy to heat it.
There are two main types of energy-efficient shower heads, these are:
- Non-aerating shower heads. These work by forcing the water through smaller holes to produce a high-pressure flow with a vigorous 'massaging' effect.
- Aerating shower heads. These work by restricting the flow of water and mixing it with air. This makes the water appear to flow at the same volume as a normal shower head and results in a more gentle showering experience.
Fit a tap aerator
Consider fitting a tap aerator to reduce the amount of water without affecting the wash or rinse effect. It’s a small gadget with tiny holes that attaches to the spout – it could save you £20 a year in GB and £20 in NI on your energy bills.
You could also save 5,000 litres of water a year!
Swap to an energy efficient shower head
In the UK, the average shower takes around 8 minutes and will use an estimated 60 litres of water [EDF Energy]. An energy-efficient shower head could reduce the amount of water you use even further. When you're using less water, you need less energy to heat it.
There are two main types of energy-efficient shower heads, these are:
- Non-aerating shower heads. These work by forcing the water through smaller holes to produce a high-pressure flow with a vigorous 'massaging' effect.
- Aerating shower heads. These work by restricting the flow of water and mixing it with air. This makes the water appear to flow at the same volume as a normal shower head and results in a more gentle showering experience.
Fit a tap aerator
Consider fitting a tap aerator to reduce the amount of water without affecting the wash or rinse effect. It’s a small gadget with tiny holes that attaches to the spout – it could save you £20 a year in GB and £20 in NI on your energy bills.
You could also save 5,000 litres of water a year!
Install an electric towel rail
Electric towel rails run off your home's electricity supply rather than your boiler which could save you energy. Many of these rails come with an on and off switch so you can easily regulate how long the rail stays on and how much energy it uses compared to a conventional radiator.
Install an electric towel rail
Electric towel rails run off your home's electricity supply rather than your boiler which could save you energy. Many of these rails come with an on and off switch so you can easily regulate how long the rail stays on and how much energy it uses compared to a conventional radiator.
Last reviewed: