Brits are throwing a billion pounds a year down the drain - as hot water taps too hot
The nation is throwing more than a BILLION pounds down the drain each year – because their hot taps are set too high.A study, of 2,000 energy bill payers, found 62% are unsure if their hot water is set at the optimum temperature of 50 degrees.But reducing the temperature from 70 degrees to 50 could save households £79 on their bills each year.Added up across all the households that don’t know what temperature their tap is producing, means they are potentially wasting £1,077,560,000.And half of households aren’t even aware that their hot water tap temperature can be set to a different level than their radiators.The research was commissioned by Utilita Energy, whose head of heating, Darren Stubbs, said: “As a nation our knowledge on the subject is substandard, despite heating water accounting for the largest part of our energy bills.“Every time our engineers visit a customer’s property, we run a basic check on their hot water and heating system.“Invariably, we find the hot water temperature higher than the optimum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius.”When asked why they lack control of their hot water and heating systems, three in ten adults polled, via OnePoll, said they have no boiler manual.And almost half (46%) wouldn’t feel confident checking their hot water temperature without the help of someone else – preferring to rely on a tradesperson (37%), a friend or family member (27%, or even a neighbour (8%).The tap-tip makes up one of Utilita’s five actions that can help households reduce their energy bills by a fifth.Other ways to save include turning heating down by a single degree, which could save households an average of £158 each year.Unplugging unused gadgets is estimated to reduce annual bills by £54, and
