UK households urged to take shorter showers from October

Households in the UK are being urged to spend less time in the shower from Wednesday (October 1)as the gas and electricity bills are set to increase. From October 1, over 22million Brits will see theirgas and electricity costs increase by £35 to £1,755 a year under the price cap set by regulator Ofgem.

Although the new energy price cap takes effect at midnight on October 1, the deadline for submitting meter readings isn't the same for everyone. Each energy provider sets its own cutoff time, so customers are advised to check with their supplier to ensure their readings are submitted on time. Bathroom expert, Brian Toward, from Wholesale Domestic shared a simple trick by which people can lower their energy consumption in the bathroom.

According to the expert, taking shorter showers is one of the simplest ways to cut down on hot water usage, reducing both water and energy consumption.

He said: "You can also choose to install an energy efficient, low-flow showerhead which can significantly reduce water usage without compromising water pressure. This reduces the amount of hot water used, lowering energy costs."

"Insulating your hot water pipes is also a good option as heat loss is minimised as the hot water travels to your bathroom fixtures, causing you to not waste energy by waiting for water to heat up.

"If you haven't already, swap your traditional bathroom lighting for energy efficient LED bulbs. This can save energy and reduce your electricity bill as LEDs last longer and use significantly less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs."

Heated towel rails may feel like a luxury, but they can significantly increase your energy bills if left on constantly.

To save energy, it's best to switch them off when not needed or use a timer so they only run during peak times like mornings or evenings.

If your bathroom also has underfloor heating, adding a smart thermostat can help control when the room is heated, ensuring it only warms up when necessary.

This kind of setup promotes more efficient energy use, especially during off-peak hours, helping to reduce costs while maintaining comfort.