Consumers across the country could make valuable savings on energy and water bills by making a number of small changes, the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has claimed.
CCWater, which is currently supporting Big Energy Saving Week, says people across the country could see a substantial reduction on their energy bill by taking a more efficient approach to their hot water use.
Not only can using less hot water have a significant impact on helping to reduce bills, but it can also cut the carbon footprint of households all over the UK.
Use meter calculators
One of the methods recommended by the organisation is the use of a meter calculator, as these tools can help users understand whether switching from unmeasured charges to a regulated meter can actually help to save money.
This is an option that is especially worth checking for households that contain more bedrooms than occupants, particularly given the fact that it can save people as much as £100 a year.
Replace worn washers
Leaky taps can literally see your money go straight down the sink, so should be addressed urgently.
In fact, a dripping hot water tap can add as much as £18 to your annual water bill. It might not seem like much, but in these times of financial difficulties, every saving should be considered. One of the best ways of doing this is to replace any washers.
Sort out your shower
Every minute less you spend in the shower, you could save between £5 and £10 in energy costs over the course of the whole year.
These savings can be maximised even further by installing a water-saving shower head, which in some cases can help to reduce water use by 30 per cent.
The bath is also a potential money-saver. The average tub uses around 80 litres of water, so choosing a lower capacity is naturally going to have a favourable impact on your wallet.
Save in the kitchen too
The kitchen can often be overlooked in terms of energy-saving strategies, but there are still plenty of opportunities to do so.
For instance, only fill up your kettle with as much water as necessary, as this will not only save on your water bill, but will also eliminate the need for your kettle to use quite as much energy.
In the same vein, you should always make sure your dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning it on as the half-load setting uses much more than half the energy and water of a full load.
Big Energy Saving Week
As part of the events for Big Energy Saving Week, CCWater is encouraging consumers to take time about their hot water use, in order to see if its money saving tips can deliver a solid number of savings.
Dame Yve Buckland, chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Small changes really can make all the difference, especially for the one in five customers who tell us their water bill is not affordable.
“By taking the time to read and apply our top tips consumers will find there are many ways to save water, energy and money with the added benefit of helping the environment.”