Liquid Gold: Bathroom Hacks to Reduce Your Water Bill

Date Published: 18/11/2024

With rising general household expenses, we’re all looking for ways to cut costs without compromising comfort. One of our heating oil experts at Your NRG has put together some lesser-known bathroom strategies for households to save on their water and energy bills amidst the rising cost of living.

Water Bill Increase

The Energy Saving Trust reports that water heating typically accounts for approximately 20% of household heating costs. Households in England and Wales face an average annual increase of 6.2% (£28), while those in Scotland can expect an 8.8% (£35.95) rise.

This makes it necessary to take cost-effective measures to reduce this expense, especially as living costs rise. Last year's 7.5% price hike initiated this trend, highlighting the need for water-saving measures to manage these escalating bills. By adopting the following practices, households can reduce financial burdens around water and energy bill costs.

Bathroom Water-Saving Tips

1. A simple but effective way to slash your hot water costs is to adjust your boiler’s temperature settings. Lowering the temperature while keeping it warm enough for day-to-day use can save money without compromising comfort. Keeping the water temperature between 60-65° can help to significantly reduce your energy consumption.
   
   
2. Another helpful tip is to invest in better insulation for hot water tanks as this helps to reduce costs in the long-term. Simply increasing your hot water tank insulation thickness from 25mm to 80mm can improve efficiency, allowing you to save up to £70 annually.
   
   
3. Also consider installing a water displacement device to save water by reducing toilet tank volume. This can help save up to 15,000 litres of water per year - demonstrating the
   effectiveness of these devices in reducing water waste.
   
   
4. Everybody loves a powerful shower, especially when the weather isn’t the warmest, however, the hidden costs can outweigh the benefits. Power showers use about 30 litres more of water per use than standard showers, contributing to higher water and heating bills.
   
   
5. Regular maintenance is another great way to ensure your money isn’t going down the drain. We recommend routinely inspecting your faucets, toilet(s), and pipes for leaks. Even small leaks can result in significant water wastage and increased costs over time.

Developing and maintaining good bathroom habits can further help to save water. Basic changes, such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, can save up to six litres per minute and reduce your water bill further. 

Overall by implementing our experts’ suggestions, you can significantly reduce your water bills and household spending. While you’re focusing on savings, why not secure your heating oil supply before the winter demand? Get a quote today and ensure a warm, cost-effective winter. 

Looking to implement more energy-saving habits into your lifestyle? Why not check out our Energy Saving Tips article?