Dundee households could save money by using less hot water, an energy body has claimed.
Cutting just one minute off the average length of a shower could lower bills in the city by £560,000 a year, while another £170,000 could be saved by not over-filling kettles.
The advice has come from the Energy Saving Trust, which is funded by the UK Government. It commissioned a survey of household water use that found showers account for 25% with toilets and kitchens each on 22%.
Andrew Tucker, the trust’s water strategy manager, said: “There is an environmental and energy cost attached to water which many people do not consider. On average, hot water use contributes £228 to the average annual combined energy bill.
“It’s clear that we are all using more water consuming appliances regularly, especially showers, but that doesn’t mean householders in Dundee are powerless to control their water use.”
The trust says three-quarters of households boil more water than they need to in kettles. Knocking 10C off the temperature clothes are washed at could also lead to savings, as could installing an eco-shower head.
On average, Dundee households could cut their energy bills by £22 a year by following these tips. Those using metered supplies could do even better.
More advice is available from the Energy Saving Trust’s helpline on 0300 1231234.