Millions of Britons are grappling with increased energy costs this winter following Ofgem’s latest 0.2% increase to the energy price cap, which came after a previous 2% hike between October and December. If you’re seeking methods to reduce your energy expenditure, guidance from British Gas could prove invaluable.

Whilst it might appear straightforward, the energy provider’s recommendation focuses specifically on how long you spend in the shower. Studies suggest many people remain under the water for as long as 10 minutes whilst washing, yet reducing this to four minutes could substantially cut energy consumption.

Online advice from British Gas states: “Cut your shower time to just four minutes and you could save up to £70 a year.” Despite this, British Gas isn’t the only firm suggesting that less shower time may prove useful.

The Energy Saving Trust also emphasises that reducing shower duration will not only benefit your finances but could conserve approximately 17,000 litres of water each year. The Trust’s figures differ slightly from British Gas’s estimates, suggesting most households could save £45 annually by limiting showers to four minutes. For properties in Northern Ireland, this potential saving could also reach £45, according to the Mirror.

The Energy Saving Trust explains: “Shortening the time that you spend in the shower will reduce the volume of water that goes down the drain, as well as saving you money on the energy used to heat the water.”

Spending less time in the shower could significantly impact your energy consumption (Image: Getty)

Both British Gas and the Energy Saving Trust have filled their websites with countless energy-saving recommendations to help cut costs. One vital suggestion centres on draught-proofing – essentially plugging gaps around doors, windows and chimneys to prevent valuable heat from escaping.

Failing to address these trouble spots may be why you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat upward. British Gas advises: “To reduce heat loss, draught-proof your home, and during colder winter months close your blinds and curtains to keep the heat in the inside.”

Thermal cameras are especially useful for detecting heat loss throughout the property, as they record surface temperatures. Homeowners can pinpoint the warmest areas in red and the coldest in blue.

Addressing common heat loss problem areas, including windows, doors, and skirting boards, can help retain warmth in your property for longer periods, minimising the necessity to increase the heating. Those wishing to utilise a thermal camera will find that numerous local councils offer them free of charge.

Many British Gas customers can also book checks that include thermal imaging for £99. Meanwhile, Octopus Energy customers can access cameras through a borrowing scheme for free, although the company’s initiative is currently paused.

Online advice from Octopus Energy states: “We genuinely want to help our customers be more energy efficient. It’s simply the right thing to do, not only because it keeps your bills low, but because it’s better for the environment as well.

“We’ve sent our cameras out to nearly 5,000 customers over the last few years, and we’re absolutely honoured that so many customers have told us that the camera loan has helped them practically identify how to save heat in their home.

“Right now, saving gas is more important than ever, with millions of UK households left struggling to pay record-high energy bills. For Winter 2025, we’ve prioritised camera loans for those who need it most.”

Households with flexible budgets can opt for a professional thermal survey, which costs approximately £300 for smaller homes and £750 for larger ones. Which? suggests using its Home Energy Planning Service to find the most suitable options for each household’s needs.

Further energy-saving tips can be found via the websites of the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas and Octopus Energy.

For the latest money-saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website