Four-minute British Gas rule that could save ‘up to £70’ on energy | UK | News
Millions of Britons are struggling with rising energy costs this winter following Ofgem’s latest 0.2% increase in the energy price cap, following a previous 2% increase between October and December. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy expenditure, guidance from British Gas can be invaluable.
While it may seem simple, your energy provider’s advice focuses specifically on how much time you spend in the shower. Research shows that many people stay underwater for up to 10 minutes while bathing, but reducing this time to four minutes can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Online advice from British Gas states: “Reduce your shower time to four minutes and save up to £70 a year.” However, British Gas is not the only company suggesting that less shower time could be beneficial.
Energy Saving Trust He emphasizes that reducing shower time will not only benefit your finances, but can also save around 17,000 liters of water each year. The Trust’s figures differ slightly from British Gas’ estimates; It shows most households could save £45 a year by limiting showers to four minutes. For properties in Northern Ireland this potential savings could also reach £45. Mirror.
The Energy Saving Trust explains: “Reducing the time you spend in the shower will reduce the volume of water going down the drain, as well as saving you on the energy used to heat the water.”
Both British Gas and the Energy Saving Trust have filled their websites with countless energy-saving tips to help cut costs. One vital recommendation focuses on protecting against drafts; mainly sealing gaps around doors, windows and chimneys to prevent valuable heat from escaping.
Failing to fix these trouble spots may be why you’re constantly setting the thermostat up. British Gas advises: “Draughtproof your home to reduce heat loss and close your shutters and curtains to keep heat in during the colder winter months.”
Thermal cameras are particularly useful for detecting heat losses throughout a property because they record surface temperatures. Homeowners can mark the warmest areas in red and the coldest areas in blue.
Addressing common heat loss problem areas, including windows, doors and skirting boards, can help maintain warmth in your property for longer and minimize the need to increase the heating. Those looking to use a thermal camera will find that many local municipalities offer it for free.
Many British Gas customers also Book vouchers with thermal imaging for £99. Meanwhile, Octopus Energy Customers can access the cameras at: Although the company’s initiative is currently paused, it is a free borrowing scheme.
Octopus Energy’s online advice says: “We really want to help our customers use energy more efficiently. It’s the right thing to do, not only because it keeps your bills down, but it’s also better for the environment.”
“We have shipped our cameras to around 5,000 customers over the last few years and we are absolutely honored that so many customers have told us that their camera credit has helped them figure out practically how to save heat in their homes.
“With millions of UK households struggling to pay record energy bills, saving gas is more important than ever right now. For Winter 2025, we’ve prioritized camera credits for those who need it most.”
Households with flexible budgets can opt for a professional thermal survey, which costs around £300 for smaller homes and £750 for larger homes. Which? recommends its use Home Page Energy Planning Service Finding the options that best suit each household’s needs.
More energy saving tips can be found on their website. Energy Saving Trust, British Gas And Octopus Energy.
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