Use water and energy more wisely to plug into valuable savings

20 Oct 2014 03:06 PM

SMALL changes could add up to valuable savings on consumers’ energy and water bills, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) which is supporting the Big Energy Saving Week (October 20-24).

CCWater is encouraging consumers to take time to think about their use of hot water and see whether the water watchdog’s money saving tips could deliver a steady trickle of savings.

By using hot water more efficiently households could see a reduction in their energy bill, and those who are charged for their water by meter may see a fall in their water bill too.

Using less hot water can also help reduce each consumer’s carbon footprint, helping to protect the environment and preserve precious resources.

Dame Yve Buckland, Chair of the Consumer Council for Water, said: “Small changes really can make all the difference, especially for the one in five customers who tell us their water bill is not affordable

“By taking the time to read and apply our top tips consumers will find there are many ways to save water, energy and money with the added benefit of helping the environment.”

CCWater’s top tips include:

• Use CCWater’s water meter calculator at ccwater.org.uk/watermetercalculator to see if switching from unmeasured charges to a water meter could save you money. If there are more bedrooms in your home than occupants it is certainly worth checking – in some cases making the switch can save customers in excess of £100 a year.
• Replace worn washers on leaky taps. A dripping hot water tap wastes both water and energy and over a year could unnecessarily add over £18 to your annual water bill if on a meter.
• For every minute less you spend in the shower you could save between £5 and £10 off your energy bills over the year.
• Install a water-saving shower head, which can cut the amount of water used by about 30 per cent. Most water companies offer water saving devices – to find out more visit ccwater.org.uk/savewaterandmoney
• When boiling the kettle only fill it with as much water as is necessary. Two thirds of us boil more water than we need.
• An average bath uses 80 litres of water so choosing one with a smaller capacity and lower flow taps when renovating your bathroom could save water and money.
• Make sure that the dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning it on, and avoid using the half load setting. Half-load cycles use much more than half the energy and water of a full load.
• Insulate the hot water cistern to avoid wasting energy to keep it hot. A securely fitted jacket could save about £30 a year.

You can find more water savings tips and information at www.ccwater.org.uk/savewaterandmoney

The Energy Saving Trust’s website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk offers lots of advice on how to make your home more water and energy efficient.

Big Energy Saving Week is a joint campaign between Energy Saving Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Citizens Advice.