How to cut your energy bill (fast)

Small, simple adjustments to your daily routines can make a big impact on your energy bills and the environment. From shorter showers to smarter use of appliances, these practical tips will help you save energy, lower costs, and make your home more eco-friendly—all without major lifestyle changes.

Save on heating your rooms

To save on heating costs, improve insulation, seal drafts and adjust thermostat settings. Small changes can lead to big savings.

Reduce your thermostat

To maximise comfort while reducing energy consumption, try setting your thermostat to the lowest temperature that still feels comfortable, typically between 18°C and 21°C. Lowering your thermostat by just 1 degree can save around 10% on your energy bill without sacrificing much warmth. If you have a health condition that could be worsened by cold temperatures, it's recommended to keep your thermostat at or above 21°C. Small adjustments like this can make a significant difference in your overall energy use, helping you cut costs both in winter by lowering the heat and in summer by raising the cooling settings.

Draught proof your doors and windows

Draught proofing involves sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, floors, and chimneys to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home. It’s a simple yet highly cost effective way to improve energy efficiency. By blocking unwanted drafts, you can reduce heat loss, making your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Save on heating water

Making small adjustments to your shower routine and upgrading to a more efficient shower head can significantly reduce your water heating costs.

Take fewer and shorter showers

Reducing your shower time to just 4 minutes can save a significant amount on your energy bills. Since nearly 40% of all household water use occurs in the shower, cutting down the time you spend under hot water not only reduces your water consumption but also decreases the energy needed to heat it. By shortening your shower to five minutes or less, you can make your routine more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than taking a bath. To help stay on track, consider using a timer to stick to shorter showers, saving both water and energy in the long run.

Upgrade your shower head

The type of shower head you use can have a big impact on water and energy consumption. Shower Heads vary in flow rates, measured in litres per minute (L/min), and choosing the right one can reduce water use without sacrificing comfort:

Eco Shower head (6 L/min): Designed to minimise water usage, eco shower heads can cut water flow to just 6 litres per minute, making them an excellent choice for energy efficiency while still providing a satisfying shower.
Handheld Shower head (8 L/min): A handheld shower head typically has a slightly higher flow rate, around 8 litres per minute, which offers flexibility and convenience while still being mindful of water usage.
Overhead Shower Head (12 L/min): Overhead shower heads have a more generous flow rate of around 12 litres per minute. They use more water and energy compared to more efficient options.
Rain Shower head (16 L/min): Rain shower heads, known for their spa-like experience, have the highest flow rate at 16 litres per minute. They consume a significant amount of water, leading to higher energy costs for heating.

Swap baths for showers

While a long, relaxing bath can be enjoyable, swapping just one bath a week for a 4-minute shower can save you £8 annually on energy bills and an additional £13 on water bills. Although a bath might cost less than a 10-minute power shower, this cost advantage disappears if you opt for shorter showers (using less than 100 litres of water) and use a more efficient showerhead. Showers generally consume less water than baths, resulting in savings on both water and heating costs.

References

The Energy Savings Trust has an in-depth guide on all the different types of insulation improvements.
Citizen Advice has a useful guide on how to save money heating your home.
The Energy Savings Trust provides additional tips on how to reduce your energy and water bills in your bathroom.

Turbine