Why showering in the morning can save you money on energy bills
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that a morning shower is the way to go for most, with two thirds opting for an a morning cleanse. In contrast, just 32% choose to have a shower before bed, while one in 10 prefer their showers in the afternoon.
A morning shower even formed part of the top three things to help people get ready for the day, alongside having a cup of coffee (34%) and a healthy breakfast (29%). It also emerged 28% claim a shower in the morning is vital to their routine, with 17% saying the same about an evening clean.
One in 10 even said they would be unlikely to shower if they couldn't do so at their preferred time. Rarely do people stray from their routine, doing so only if they had to get ready for a special occasion (36%), travel plans (28%), and oversleeping (24%).
The study was conducted by Utilita Energy as part of its Power Price List series – a comprehensive guide on the running costs of household gadgets.
A spokesperson for Utilita explained: "Heating up water to shower consumes a lot of energy, so we were interested to better understand people's behaviours."
The main reasons for preferring an early morning spritz included wanting to start the day clean and refreshed (70%), helping them wake up in the morning (50%), and getting energised for the day ahead (45%).
The top reasons for opting for an evening shower related to its soothing effects, with four in 10 using this time to unwind and de-stress before they turn in for the night. While 51% think showering before bed helps them to sleep more soundly, according to OnePoll.com data.
Saving time in the morning also contributed to these night owls' preferences, who use their extra time in the morning to sleep in (24%) or devote time to other things (22%). However, evening showers could be contributing more to higher energy bills.
The research found morning showers to be slightly more rushed and a less relaxing affair – with the average person spending an additional two minutes under the water in the evening than they do first thing, as a result spending more on their energy bills.
"The cost of running a shower for eight minutes is around 32p on average – or £116 a year," said a Utilita's spokesperson, but shaving off a few minutes in the morning could help bring that down.
They added: "The Power Price List is designed to reveal how tweaking habits can provide sizeable savings for households."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Potatoes ‘increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by 20%' – but it all depends how you cook them
Spuds feature in two of Brits' three favourite meals FOOD FOR THOUGHT Potatoes 'increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by 20%' – but it all depends how you cook them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POTATOES are a British kitchen staple but cooking them a certain way might raise your risk of diabetes, a study has warned. Researchers at Harvard University in the US said 'not all carbs are created equal' and the way you prepare food is key. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Potatoes might be linked to type 2 diabetes (stock image) Credit: Alamy Their study of more than 200,000 people found those who ate three or more servings of French fries per week were 20 per cent more likely to have type 2 diabetes. The condition affects four million Brits and is linked to excess weight and sugary diets. Results showed that boiling potatoes, mashing them or having jacket potatoes was not linked to the same risk. But diabetes was even less likely in people who ate more grains, such as pasta and bread, than spuds. Read more on healthy eating FOOD FOR THOUGHT Fizzy pop, ice cream & instant noodles could up risk of LUNG cancer by 41% Spuds are one of UK's favourite foods YouGov polling shows chips are Brits' second favourite food, behind only roast chicken, and fish and chips ranks third. Luckily mashed potato – not linked to diabetes in the study – ranks sixth. Harvard study author Professor Walter Willett said: 'Not all carbs – or even all potatoes – are created equal. 'The distinction is crucial when it comes to shaping effective dietary guidelines. 'The public health message here is simply that small changes in our daily diet can have an important impact on risk of type 2 diabetes. 'Limiting potatoes, and especially limiting French fries, and choosing healthy, whole grain sources of carbohydrate could help lower the risk.' Diabetes symptoms and the signs of all types of diabetes The NHS says people can reduce their chances of type 2 diabetes by staying slim, eating healthily and doing regular exercise. Separate research by the University of Cambridge has found that basic healthy eating can reduce the risk of diabetes across all groups of people. The analysis included 826,000 people across 33 studies on three different diets. They included the Mediterranean, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) diets. Researchers suggest the eating habits, all of which place a focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, 'can be promoted across all populations'.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'My son hasn't had a glass of water since he was four - and I understand why'
A new survey has revealed four in ten Brits rely on cups of tea to stay hydrated - and one mum has said her son hasn't drunk a glass of water in five years because it's "boring" More than two and a half million Brits struggle to recall the last time they had a plain glass of water. Research has discovered almost half rely primarily on cups of tea to stay hydrated, with a third opting for coffee or fizzy drinks. Boomers are twice as likely as Gen Z to rely on tea for their fluid intake. Meanwhile, women are more likely than men to fail to drink enough water. The survey based on 2,000 adults found only 17 per cent are consuming enough water, based on NHS guidance which suggests up to eight glasses a day. What's more, one in ten parents polled don't think their children drink enough each day. The study, which also surveyed 837 teenagers, discovered 15 per cent of them consume plain water only a few times a week at most, leaving many parents worried about their intake and three quarters having to 'force' their children to stay hydrated. It comes after a doctor's warning to people who drink even a 'single cup of tea'. Man called 999 for 'his own protection' - then ended up jailed himself One mum, Kelly Mulligan, 53, says her son, Max who is nine, hasn't had a glass of plain water since he was four years old. The youngster would rather drink apple juice, which Kelly dilutes with water to keep his sugar content down. "Max has never liked plain water he says there's no flavour," she said. "I don't drink plain water either. I can only drink carbonated water or tea." Kelly, from Brighton, who runs her own cleaning business, explained: "Max will take little sips of water if he needs to, but he's always thirsty and says plain water doesn't quench his thirst." Max has to take a bottle of water to school as they are not allowed anything else, but Kelly isn't sure how much of it he actually drinks. "He's healthy and happy, so I have no concerns. He has a varied diet and keeps active. It isn't like he's drinking no liquids at all. The diluted apple juice is a middle ground which helps keep my concerns for his teeth a bay," she said. According to the research commissioned by hydration drink Más+ by Messi, which is promoting positive hydration to keep Brits on top of their game, 34 per cent of 13–17 year olds prefer other beverages to water, while 26 per cent 'forget' to consume it. Meanwhile, 29 per cent of grown-ups reckoned tea, coffee and fizzy drinks are just as good as water for staying hydrated. However, 17 per cent regularly suffer symptoms they reckon are caused by dehydration, including headaches or tiredness. Only 12 per cent actively track their water consumption, with 60 per cent not bothering whatsoever – and the rest attempting to keep mental notes on their intake. Sophie Van Ettinger, global VP Más+ by Messi, said: "It's alarming the number of people who are not aware they are dehydrated daily and will often go through days experiencing a lack of energy or headaches, not realising a simple glass of water or even a hydration drink is the solution." Leo Messi, co-founder for the drink, added: "As an athlete, I know the importance of hydration for peak performance."
Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Bedding among 3 household items to ‘avoid at all costs' after links to stroke, cancer and 356,000 deaths in just 1 year
Find out everything you need to know about microplastics and the potential health risks below HOME HAZARDS Bedding among 3 household items to 'avoid at all costs' after links to stroke, cancer and 356,000 deaths in just 1 year A TOP scientist has revealed three everyday household items we should 'avoid at all costs' after they were linked to a raft of serious health problems. Repeated exposure could lead to cancer, infertility, and strokes, she warns. Advertisement 3 Polyester sheets may be riddled with dangerous PFAS Credit: Getty Dr Shanna Swan, a reproductive epidemiologist and member of the Plastic Health Council, says Brits are being exposed just by eating, sleeping, and showering. This is because many household items contain microplastics - tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size. These particles have now been found throughout the human body, including the brain, lungs, blood, and even unborn babies. Studies have linked them to a range of potential health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. Advertisement They can also contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and disrupt the gut microbiome. One plastic chemical alone, a phthalate called DEHP, was linked to more than 356,000 deaths worldwide in a single year, according to a study by Professor Leonardo Trasande from New York University, US. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. They've been linked to hormone disruption, fertility problems, developmental issues, and a higher risk of certain cancers. Advertisement Studies have also connected phthalate exposure to asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. "Every day that passes more plastic chemicals enter our bodies through items many consider safe and normal," Dr Shanna says. The 6 everyday items 'poisoning' you with toxic plastics linked to cancer 'Whilst there are some plastic products we should aim to avoid at all costs we need regulatory action if we are to see real change. "We must phase out toxic plastics and prioritise health in every part of the plastics supply chain.' Advertisement The three items Dr Swan and other experts are most concerned about are food containers, bedding, and personal care products. Plastic containers used for microwave meals, takeaway packaging, and clingfilm can release phthalates when heated or frozen, previous research has found. Synthetic bedding, like memory foam pillows, polyester sheets, and mattresses, may contain flame retardants and water-resistant coatings known as PFAS. PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Advertisement 3 When heated up, plastic containers can release chemicals linked to fertility problems Credit: Getty 3 Some shower gels are made of plastic-based chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin Credit: Getty Exposure has been linked to increased risk of certain cancers, altered immune function, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental issues. Some studies also suggest links between PFAS and thyroid disease, changes in cholesterol levels, and behavioural problems in children. Advertisement These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, especially during long hours of sleep. Toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo and moisturiser, may also contain phthalates as well as other plastic-based chemicals such as acrylates and thickeners. These substances can be absorbed through the skin, potentially causing irritation, hormonal disruption, and long-term health effects. 'Plastic is not inert," Sian Sutherland co-founder of the Plastic Health Council and campaign group A Plastic Planet said. "It is a toxic mixture of chemicals". Advertisement She added: "If governments and industry refuse to protect us we need to take charge of our own health and demand to know why when the science has been so clear for decades are our babies now born pre-polluted. When will enough be enough.' The warning comes as world leaders gather in Geneva to finalise the UN Global Plastics Treaty which aims to reduce plastic production and ban toxic chemicals from everyday products. Most nations back strong measures but a small group of oil-producing countries and the plastics industry have delayed progress. The Plastic Health Council is calling for a cap on plastic production, a ban on harmful substances and mandatory chemical testing of all plastic products before they reach consumers. Advertisement
