One surprising bathroom switch could slash £100 from your bills

As energy bills climb and the UK braces for the hottest start to May on record, one simple bathroom upgrade could save households over £100 a year, without compromising comfort. Swapping your traditional shower head for a high-efficiency model may not sound revolutionary, but experts say it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to slash utility costs this summer.

“Most people don’t realise just how much water their showers are using,” said Lucy Askew, spokesperson at home interiors experts Hillarys. “Standard shower heads can use 12 to 15 litres per minute. For a family of four, that adds up to over 30,000 litres a year—around the same volume as a small swimming pool.”

That water usage comes at a cost. By switching to a low-flow, water-saving shower head, households could cut water bills by £60 to £100 annually. And because less hot water is needed, an extra £50 to £80 can be shaved off energy bills, just by using less gas or electricity to heat it.

With annual energy bills now averaging £1,849, up from £1,738 in April, and 73% of Brits saying they’re struggling more than last year, the savings couldn’t come at a better time.

And with the UK experiencing a sharp rise in summer temperatures, 80% of homes now overheat during the season, air conditioning use has surged sevenfold since 2011, adding further pressure on both household budgets and the national power grid.

But the good news is that reducing shower water use is quick, affordable, and surprisingly easy. Askew recommends a simple test: “Take a measuring jug, unscrew your shower head, and run the water for a minute. If you collect more than nine litres, it’s time to upgrade.”

Beyond the financial benefits, the eco-impact is also significant. Lower water usage means lower carbon emissions from heating, helping to reduce household environmental footprints at a time when national energy demand is under pressure.

“This isn’t about making drastic sacrifices,” said Askew. “It’s about making smarter choices that save money and help the planet, all from your bathroom.”

As the heat rises and utility costs bite, this one small switch could be a cool, cost-effective move for savvy homeowners.

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