Like many people in the UK, you may not realise that your water use contributes towards your energy bills.

Not only can saving money reduce your water bill (if you’re on a meter) but it can also reduce your energy use and bills and your impact on the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by using less energy to heat the water. According to the Energy Saving Trust, heating water for use in our homes makes up around 4% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions each year.

• Each household in the UK uses on average 345 litres of water a day
• Around 20% of a gas heated household’s bill is from heating water for showers, baths and taps
• This costs on average around £135 a year

How do I get hot water?

• Most commonly, your hot water is supplied by the main central heating boiler, either directly if it’s a combi boiler, or from a hot water cylinder. You may also have an electric immersion heater in the cylinder too.

Tip: if you have both a boiler and an immersion heater, use the boiler to heat water, even in the summer. Immersion heaters are generally more expensive and should only be used as a backup.

Saving water at home

It’s easier thank you think to save water. By making some simple changes at home, you can save energy and money.

• Ditch the bath: based on a family of 4, if each of you replace one bath a week with a 5 minute shower, you can save up to £10 a year on gas bills and £10 a year on water bills
• Swap out your inefficient shower head for a water-efficient one. This can save you up to £40 on your gas bill and £55 on your water bill each year
• A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year, so turn your taps off properly and change your washers quickly when taps start to drip
• Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are full before you use them and select the most efficient energy and water settings

Five quick tips to save money

The Energy Saving Trust have put together five quick tips to help you save money on your hot water bills.

1. Use less water; hot water in particular
2. Insulate your hot water cylinder – this will save more energy and help your taps run hot more quickly
3. Make sure you have the right controls for your boiler and heating and set them correctly
4. Switch fuel: gas is cheaper than electricity and oil
5. Consider solar energy: once fitted, solar water heating can provide a good proportion of hot water with virtually no running costs

To find out more about how we’re here to solve your emergency breakdowns with our boiler and central heating cover including service and other types of home emergency cover, including plumbing and drainage and home appliances cover, contact our friendly team on 0330 09 48 301. You can even request a call back to discuss your requirements or get a quote online.