UK households being handed up to £52 for taking 'shorter showers'

UK households being handed up to £52 for taking 'shorter showers'
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


UK households could cut their shower bills in half by reducing their time from the UK average of eight minutes to just four. Households have been warned electric showers are the most costly main household appliance, according to a shock new study.

The average annual cost for one person is £104. Cleaning experts Vacuum Wars said as we head towards Christmas: "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.

"A family of four in the same circumstances could easily add up to an extra £417.32 in electricity costs from showering each year.." Somebody who reduces their showers to four minutes can theoretically save £52 amid the Cost of Living crisis.

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Posh.co.uk said that taking shorter showers is worth £18 a year back per minute you cut off your shower time. They said: “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, said: "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.

“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 added: "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.

"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."