With just four weeks until autumn, it’s time to turn our attention to hot water. Whether you’re washing dishes, taking a shower or making a cup of tea, hot water is something most of us use every day. By making a few simple changes, you can reduce the amount of energy you use, lower your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Why does hot water matter?

Heating water accounts for a significant proportion of the energy used in many homes. While you still need plenty of hot water for everyday life, using it more efficiently means you can enjoy the same comfort while wasting less energy.

The good news is that many hot water saving measures are quick, inexpensive and easy to put into practice.

1. Fit a hot water cylinder jacket

If your home has a hot water cylinder, fitting an insulating jacket is one of the simplest ways to reduce heat loss.

A cylinder jacket helps keep your stored hot water warmer for longer, meaning your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard to reheat it.

Not every home has a hot water cylinder, but if you do have one, it’s worth checking that it’s properly insulated.

2. Keep showers shorter

A relaxing shower is a great way to start or end the day, but reducing your shower by just a few minutes can help save both water and the energy needed to heat it.

You don’t have to make dramatic changes. Instead, try:

• Setting a five-minute timer.
• Turning the shower off while applying shampoo or conditioner.
• Encouraging the whole family to keep showers a little shorter.

These small habits soon add up over time.

3. Fix dripping hot taps

A dripping hot tap might seem like a minor annoyance, but every drip wastes both water and the energy used to heat it.

If you’ve noticed a hot tap dripping, it’s worth getting it repaired sooner rather than later. Fixing small leaks can prevent unnecessary waste and may also help avoid bigger plumbing problems in the future.

4. Only boil the water you need

Making a cup of tea or coffee? Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you actually need.

Boiling more water than necessary uses more electricity every time the kettle is switched on. It’s a simple habit that takes no extra effort but can help reduce energy use throughout the year.

Small changes really do add up

Preparing for autumn isn’t always about making major improvements to your home. Often, it’s the everyday habits that make the biggest difference over time.

This week, why not challenge yourself to:

• Check whether your hot water cylinder has an insulating jacket.
• Keep showers a little shorter.
• Repair any dripping hot taps.
• Only boil the water you need.

These simple actions can help reduce energy use, and save money without affecting your daily routine.

Need impartial energy advice?

If you’d like to learn more about saving energy at home, reducing your bills or improving your home’s energy efficiency, Arran Eco Savvy offers free, impartial energy advice for households across Arran. Plus, check out the Sustainable Directory for more helpful guidance and information.

Whether you’re looking for simple changes or planning larger home improvements, our Energy Team is here to help.Email: Sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk to book a free one-to-one energy advice appointment.

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Follow our Countdown to Autumn

Every week we’re sharing another practical tip to help you prepare your home before the colder weather arrives.

So far we’ve covered:

• Stopping heat escaping through draught proofing.
• Getting your heating system ready.
• Checking your loft insulation.
• Saving energy through simple hot water habits.

Next week, we’ll help you review your energy bills and make sure you’re on the right tariff before winter arrives.