UK households could save on electricity by shortening showers, experts reveal

UK households could slash their shower bills by 50% if they halve their shower time from the national average of eight minutes to just four. A startling new report has highlighted that electric showers are the most expensive main household appliance to run.

As we approach the festive season, cleaning experts at Vacuum Wars have revealed: "The most expensive household appliance to run is an electric shower, with an average running cost of £2.14 per hour. According to Anglian Water, the average Briton spends approximately eight minutes in the shower, meaning showering daily would run up a yearly bill of £104.33 - just for one person."

They added, "A family of four in the same circumstances could easily add up to an extra £417.32 in electricity costs from showering each year."

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In light of the Cost of Living crisis, individuals who cut their shower time to four minutes could theoretically pocket a saving of £52, reports Birmingham Live. Meanwhile, Posh.co.uk has advised that shortening showers can lead to significant savings, stating: "Long showers can contribute hugely to energy bills, reducing shower time by one minute on average can save £18 per household in a year. Turning water temperature down ever so slightly can also impact energy bills."

Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars, commented on the study's findings, saying: "The findings from this study highlight that certain household appliances, particularly those used frequently for daily tasks, are some of the most expensive to run in the UK. This is especially impactful given the dominance of such appliances in households. These small costs add up over time, creating a significant financial burden for households."

He also suggested ways to mitigate these costs: "Encouraging more efficient use of appliances, investing in energy-saving models, and adopting alternative methods for everyday tasks could all contribute to lowering energy consumption and ultimately, bringing down household bills. Additionally, increased awareness about the best times to use high-energy appliances, such as during off-peak hours, could reduce costs."

Andy Ellis from Posh.co.uk also weighed in with advice for homeowners during the winter months: "Winter can be a difficult time for homeowners, as the festivities and colder evenings often result in higher bills. By considering your energy consumption at home, you can identify effective ways to save throughout the season."

He offered practical tips for saving on energy bills: "There are simple yet cost effective ways to reduce your energy bills this winter, through insulating rooms and sealing draughts, families can enjoy a warm and comfortable home without the added heating bill to worry about. Maximising the efficiency of your heating when it's on is essential for families to stay warm during winter without raising energy costs."