Hot water for showers, baths, washing, and cleaning is a significant share of household energy use.
Cutting it saves both water and energy.
In the bathroom
- Take shorter showers
- Fit a water-efficient shower head
- Choose showers over baths most of the time
- Fix dripping hot taps
In the kitchen and laundry
Wash clothes at 30°C or lower, run full loads, and use the dishwasher’s eco setting rather than rinsing dishes under a hot tap.
Your hot water system
Insulate hot water cylinders and pipes. Set cylinder temperatures appropriately — usually around 60°C to control bacteria — but not hotter than needed.
See also
Our save water at home guide covers cold water too.
Consider your heating system
If you are replacing a boiler or water heater, look at efficient options such as heat pumps with hot water cylinders, or solar thermal panels. Combination boilers heat water on demand and avoid storage losses, while cylinders let you heat water at cheaper off-peak times or with solar power. The best choice depends on your home and household size. See our heat pumps guide.
This is general sustainability information. Recycling, composting, and disposal rules vary by municipality — check local guidance. Cost and energy savings are estimates and depend on your home and usage.