The professional home organiser shares some top tips for making your bathroom more energy efficient during the colder weather
Having a sing-song in the shower is a great way to start your day off on a positive note – but did you know it could also help you save money on your energy bills?
With winter approaching, household energy bills can be a concern, but there’s a lot you can do to make sure you are using your electricity and gas efficiently, without making big or expensive changes to your home.
TV personality Dilly Carter knows a thing or two about making sure your home works as well as it can – and has some top tips to get it prepped for winter.
“A smart meter is probably the simplest place to start,” says Dilly.
“If you can see how much energy you’re using, and when, you know where you might be able to cut down.”
Smart meters are installed at no extra cost by your energy supplier, and their simple displays show you how much you’re spending on energy, in pounds and pence.
When it comes to the bathroom specifically, Dilly says, “Baths are great, but they use a lot of energy to heat the water.
“Stick to showers as often as possible and try to keep them to four minutes.
“A great tip is to sing one of your favourite songs and get out when it’s finished. For me, it’s always going to be Whitney!”
Getting a water-efficient shower head is also a good idea. These use significantly less water than standard models, and could not only help lower your water bill but also cut down on the energy needed to heat the water.
Heating and ventilation in the bathroom are also key.
“Try not to overload heaters in the bathroom,” says Dilly. “Once your towels are dry, fold them up and put them to one side so the heat can circulate.
“If you have an extractor fan, having the window open for 10 to 15 minutes after a shower is fine. If it’s efficient, you might not need to open a window at all.
“If you don’t have an extractor, keep the window open for longer, but an hour or so is fine.
“And make sure you shut the bathroom door so steam escapes out of the window and the cold doesn’t get into the rest of the house.”
Making just a few smart choices allows you to cut back on energy use – and these small changes can add up, especially for those on tight budgets.
“There are so many simple ways to keep your home warmer this winter,” adds Dilly.
“A lot of them cost nothing or very little. Walk around your house and spot the places that feel colder.
“Is there a draught that can easily be blocked up, such as the letter box? Do any of the radiators need bleeding? Make a plan and act on it.”
Get a smart meter or contact your energy supplier to find out more.
Eligibility may vary, and smart meter display and figures are for illustrative purposes only.
