Octopus Energy’s advice is also echoed by Britain’s Energy Saving Trust – here’s what you need to know
Countless Brits are facing higher energy bills this winter following Ofgem’s 2 per cent price cap increase from October 1. However, Octopus Energy suggests there are several ways to potentially reduce its impact, including one simple change in habit.
It may seem obvious, but Octopus Energy’s advice boils down to exactly how long you spend in the shower. While studies suggest many of us spend up to 10 minutes washing each time, slashing this to just four could significantly cut energy consumption.
Online guidance from Octopus Energy explains: “Keeping your shower time to just four minutes could save a typical household £60 a year!” On a separate note, it also adds: “Our tips come from the expertise of our wide-ranging team of scientists, engineers and heat specialists. We’ve got real feedback on how useful they are from more than 250,000 customers.“
Octopus Energy certainly is not alone in recommending this four-minute rule either. Britain’s Energy Saving Trust also explains that shortening your shower time will not only save money but could conserve approximately 17,000 litres of water each year.
The Trust’s estimates differ slightly from those of Octopus Energy, suggesting that most people could save £45 annually by limiting showers to four minutes. For households in Northern Ireland, it is believed this saving could increase to £65.
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.”
Beyond this, both Octopus Energy and the Energy Saving Trust offer a wealth of other energy-saving tips online, too. Another vital piece of advice regards draught-proofing, which involves plugging gaps around, doors, windows and chimneys to prevent heat from leaking out.
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Neglecting these spots could well be why you are constantly cranking up the thermostat. Octopus Energy’s online guidance adds: “A continuous draught can quickly undo all the good work of your heating – essentially wasting energy.
“Identifying and plugging up draughts around doors, windows and other gaps can help trap warmth in and make your gas spend go further…Professional draught-proofing can cost a few hundred pounds. You can also find draughts yourself using the back of your hand, or with a thermal camera and make your own excluders for free using old fabric scraps. Average saving: £80 per year.”
Thermal cameras are especially useful for detecting heat loss in properties, as they measure surface temperatures. Homeowners can see the warmest areas in red and the coldest in blue.
Addressing common heat loss points like windows, doors, and skirting boards can help keep your property warmer for longer, reducing the need to turn up the heating.
Those interested in using a thermal camera will find that many local councils offer them free of charge. The London Library of Things also rents out thermal cameras for just £15 daily, according to Which?. Many Octopus Energy customers can access these cameras as well, although the company’s initiative is currently paused for winter.
Additional guidance 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 choose a professional thermal survey, costing 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.
Additional energy-saving guidance can be found on both EDF Energy and Octopus Energy’s websites.