This year most of us have spent more time at home than usual, and it makes sense for your thoughts to be turning to the cost of household expenses. From heating to shopping bills, it can be surprising how much money you can save by paying attention to the smaller details. One way you can really make a difference to your home budget is to reduce your average water bill.
Average water costs in the UK amounts to around £1 a day but you may well be spending more than that. If you’re looking for tips on how to reduce your water bill, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top ten water bill busters:
Make sure your appliances are water efficient
Most of us look at energy efficiency labels when we choose new appliances but it can also pay to check for labels that give information about water efficiency. At present labelling for water efficiency is voluntary but some manufacturers have agreed to use the cross-Europe Unified Water Label, which gives really clear water consumption information.
Improve your shower expenses
The amount of water your family uses showering might surprise you. Although showers in theory use less water than baths, this does of course depend on the volume of your shower, and how much time each person spends scrubbing.
Water-saving showerheads are designed to clean you efficiently at the same time as reducing water usage. Some showerheads do this through clever spray patterns, others by adding air to the water or pulsing it. Another way to make sure your family uses less water is to use a shower timer. You can buy fun and funky timers specifically designed for youngsters, or go for something as simple as an egg timer.
Exercise tight tap control
You almost certainly turn off the taps after you’ve used them but how about the rest of the family? Children are notorious for leaving taps running but this could definitely take you above the average water bill. A bit of tap training as well as a few notices around the place, might make all the difference. One thing the whole family can join in with is turning off the tap while they are brushing their teeth.
Do less laundry
We’re not suggesting here that you and your family walk round in smelly clothes all week. However by saving up your washing until you have full loads, can significantly reduce water usage. It’s true that modern washing machines adjust the amount of water they use according to load weight. Nonetheless two half washing machine loads cost more in both water and energy than one full load. By going back to the good old-fashioned washing day, you can make an indent in that water usage bill.
Install a water softener
Water softeners are a great way of preventing mineral damage to your home appliances but they can also help you save water. If you’ve ever stood for ages with the tap running, waiting for the soap to lather up, you’ll understand why. Ensuring soft water throughout your home will mean you get more lather from your cleaning or personal hygiene products. As well adding a touch of luxury to your water experience, this will reduce your water usage.
Water your plants more carefully
In hot weather watering the garden is a necessity if you want to keep things blooming or look after your vegetable patch. Irrigation systems allow you to direct water to where it is really needed, but can sometimes be wasteful in wet weather. Other ways to reduce water usage in the garden include watering in the evening or early morning, and using a watering can instead of a hosepipe.
Check your toilets
If you’ve installed dual flush toilets, you probably did so with good intention but recent calculations suggest these modern loos are leaking away more water than they are saving. Make sure you understand how your flush system works so that you can check it for blockages or other issues. It might also be a good idea to check your family knows which flush button uses the least water, and when to select it.
Save water for the garden
If you’re really committed to reducing your average water bill, you could also consider collecting water from your home to use in the garden. Clean washing up water, water from boiling vegetables and the cold water you run from the hot tap are all perfectly good for watering your plants. Especially the ones that are nearest to your house.
Get your cooking right
Most of us are used to saving energy by only boiling enough water for the cup of tea we are about to make but there are also ways you can save water around the kitchen. Try to get into the habit of washing vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under the tap. You can also save water by selecting a smaller pan than usual, for example to boil your eggs.
Switch to a water metre
There is nothing that gets you thinking about consumption more than having to pay for it. If your household doesn’t use much water or if your water bill is based on a home with a high rateable value, fitting a metre might be a good way to reduce your water bill. Talk to your water company to find out how you might benefit.
Reduced water usage is good for everyone
Saving water isn’t just good for you; it saves energy, protects an important resource, and is great for the planet. With climate change firmly on the global and local agenda, it makes sense to do everything you can to avoid unnecessary consumption. At Hart Water we offer competitive pricing on a range of filters, taps and water softeners including installation, service and repair. We will be happy to answer all your questions. Get in touch today for more information about how a water softener can help you make sure you pay less than the average water bill.
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