While energy bills have skyrocketed over recent months, one question that Britons have been asking themselves is ‘Is it cheaper to shower or bath?’ Not only has Express.co.uk come up with the answer, but here are 20 tried and tested ways people can make savings with a few simple changes to their everyday routines.
1. Have shorter showers
Is it cheaper to have a shower or a bath is a commonly asked question. The general rule is that a 15-minute shower will use almost the same amount of water as a bath. Encourage family members to shower for between five and ten minutes by creating a ‘shower playlist’ before they go in. If they won’t listen, it’s better to have a bath.
2. Replace leaky taps
Not only will the dripping noise drive Britons mad, but it could also be adding £100 to their bill, according to Top Trades People.
3. Claim water saving freebies
Some water companies offer accessories to manage water flow, showerheads that distribute the flow more efficiently and shower timers.
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4. Weigh up whether to get a water meter
The general rule of thumb is that if there re more rooms than people one might benefit from a water meter. However, get it wrong and bills could increase.
5. Use the dishwasher
A full dishwasher is cheaper than washing up – a great excuse to ditch those rubber gloves.
6. Fill up the washing machine
Many newer machines have a mix wash option where people can bung lights and darks in together and wash at 20 or 30°C. Try not to use the half load option.
7. Ditch the tumble dryer
Hopefully the summer months will bring with them plenty of opportunity to dry clothes outdoors. If using a tumble dryer is a must, blogger Lara recommends popping a tennis ball in the drum to dry clothes quicker.
8. Never boil more water than needed
Only fill the kettle with just enough water for what is needed – as this will save both water and electricity.
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9. Flush less
One way to reduce the amount of water used is to put a brick in the toilet cistern – this will reduce the amount of water in each flush without affecting any of the pressure.
10. Turn taps off
When brushing teeth or shaving. Although people only tend to leave them on for a few minutes, this could really add up over the course of a year.
11. Go for gas
Gas is three or four times cheaper than electricity so it’s better to use gas.
12. Heat one room
If it’s cold it’s better to heat one room of the house – people can still use their central heating they will just need to turn the other radiators off.
13. Turn off standby appliances
This could save £80 a year, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Turning down the brightness on TVs and laptops can also contribute to savings.
17. Boiler grant
As above, some people on certain benefits or low incomes could qualify for financial assistance from the Government towards the cost of installing a new, more energy-efficient boiler.
18 Double glazing grant
In some cases, people might be eligible for help towards the cost of double glazing.
19 Turn the oven off a few minutes earlier
This hack has been circulating for a few weeks with Britons reporting that it doesn’t mean their food is uncooked.
20 Do a benefits check
Britons on low incomes may qualify for a Cold Weather Payment, Winter Fuel Payment or Warm Home Discount adding up to hundreds of pounds.
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