As energy costs soar, nearly 7 million people in the UK are rethinking their daily habits to save money, according to a recent survey by National Debtline. The study found that 45% of people are entering winter worried about their finances, with many reporting disrupted sleep and worsening health due to money concerns. One surprising strategy gaining traction is reducing time spent in the bath or shower. Experts suggest this simple shift can lead to noticeable savings. Stephen Day, director at iHeat, explains that a bath uses about 80 liters of water, compared to just 25 liters for a 10-minute shower with an efficient showerhead. Cutting shower times to just 4–5 minutes could save a household up to £70 annually. Switching to cooler showers also cuts costs. Stephen Hankinson from Electric Radiators Direct notes that every 5.6°C reduction in water temperature can reduce energy use by 3–5%. But shorter showers aren’t the only way to save this winter. Here are six more expert-backed tips for shrinking your bills: 1. Lower Your Thermostat and Use a Timer. Reducing your thermostat by 1°C can cut energy bills by up to 10%. Setting it to 18–20°C and using a timer to heat your home only when needed can improve efficiency. 2. Avoid Drying Clothes on Radiators. Drying laundry on radiators blocks heat and forces your boiler to work harder. Instead, use a drying rack near a heat source with good ventilation to prevent dampness and mold. 3. Check Appliance Efficiency. Regular maintenance, like descaling your kettle and properly positioning your refrigerator, helps appliances work efficiently. Keeping your fridge away from heat sources, like ovens or windows, reduces energy use. 4. Skip Pre-Heating Your Oven. Put food in the oven as you turn it on to save energy. Residual heat can finish cooking your meal. 5. Opt for an Air Fryer. Cooking for one? Air fryers use less energy than ovens, saving pennies on every meal. For example, cooking a chicken breast in an air fryer costs £0.13 versus £0.18 in an oven. 6. Unplug Devices. Phantom energy — power used by plugged-in appliances even when not in use — can account for 10% of your energy bill. Unplugging devices like TVs and phone chargers can prevent this waste. By making small adjustments like these, households can reduce costs and stay warm this winter.
