British Gas ‘4-minute shower rule’ could save up to £70 a year on energy bills

British Gas recommends making a change to slash energy costs

Millions of households across Britain have been grappling with steeper energy costs this winter after Ofgem increased the energy price cap by a further 0.2%, on top of an earlier 2% hike between October and December. If you’re hunting for methods to reduce your energy expenditure, guidance from British Gas might prove useful.

Whilst it appears straightforward, the energy provider’s recommendation focuses on exactly how long you’re spending in the shower. Studies suggest that numerous people stay under the water for as long as 10 minutes whilst bathing, but reducing this to four minutes could significantly cut energy consumption.

Online advice from British Gas states: “Cut your shower time to just four minutes and you could save up to £70 a year.” However, British Gas isn’t alone in suggesting that shorter shower times may prove beneficial.

The Energy Saving Trust in Britain equally emphasises that shortening your shower length won’t merely safeguard your finances but could conserve approximately 17,000 litres of water each year.

The Trust’s figures differ slightly from British Gas’s estimates, suggesting that typical households could save £45 annually by limiting showers to four minutes. For properties in Northern Ireland, this prospective saving could also reach £45, according to the Mirror.

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.”

But that’s only the beginning. Both British Gas and the Energy Saving Trust have filled their websites with a wealth of money-saving energy advice. One key recommendation centres on draught-proofing – essentially plugging gaps around doors, windows and chimneys to prevent valuable heat from escaping.

Overlooking these problem areas could be why you’re constantly adjusting the thermostat upwards. British Gas advises: “To reduce heat loss, draught-proof your home, and during colder winter months close your blinds and curtains to keep the heat in the inside.”

Thermal cameras prove especially useful for detecting heat loss throughout the home, as they capture surface temperatures. Households can identify the warmest spots in red and the coldest in blue.

Addressing common heat loss culprits, such as windows, doors, and skirting boards, can help retain warmth in your home for longer periods, minimising the need to turn up the heating. Those wishing to use a thermal camera will find that many local councils offer them for free.

Many British Gas customers can book checks that include thermal imaging for £99, while Octopus Energy customers can similarly access cameras in a borrowing scheme for free, although the company’s initiative is currently paused.

Online advice 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.

Further energy-saving tips can be found via the websites of the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas and Octopus Energy.

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