Page last updated on 22nd April 2026
Water saving tips: using a water-efficient shower head
With many of us thinking more about energy at the moment, we’ve put together some helpful tips to help save energy around the home. This page will show you that by switching to a more water-efficient shower head, you could save water in your shower and money overall.
How much does a shower cost on a water meter?
The cost of a shower on a water meter depends on where you live, your water supplier, and the type of shower you use – whether it’s electric, mixer, or power. Heating your water for your shower can also make a big difference to your energy bill, pushing the overall cost higher. So, tackling your water usage in your shower can impact your overall bills, as well as help you save water at home.
What is a water-efficient shower head?
If you’re looking for water-saving tips at home, one to consider is investing in an energy-saving shower head or a water-efficient shower head. Such water-efficient shower heads, or energy-saving shower heads, are designed to use significantly less water than standard models. This not only helps lower your water bill but also cuts down on the energy needed to heat the water.
What is an eco shower head?
Eco shower heads and water-efficient shower heads are often used interchangeably.
How do water-saving shower heads work?
Water-saving shower heads help reduce your water usage by either regulating the flow rate or mixing air with the water to maintain pressure. According to Energy Saving Trust, typically around 11% of energy use goes toward heating water. Using less water means your boiler has less work to do. Over time, this lowers the amount of gas or electricity you use to heat the water, helping to cut down your overall energy costs.
How to switch to a water-efficient shower head
You want to switch to a water-efficient shower head to save water in bathrooms around the house and to help reduce your energy bill, but you’re stuck on how exactly that would work? Read our step-by-step guide below:
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Check the shower head is compatible with your shower
Replacing your shower head is a relatively straightforward thing to do, but you’ll need to check that the shower head is compatible with your shower.
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Do you have an electric shower?
Water-efficient shower heads aren’t recommended for electric showers and the cost-saving benefits outlined above can't be achieved with an electric shower.
Electric showers can be expensive to run as they need to heat the mains water very quickly. To save money on your electric shower use, set them at the lowest comfortable temperature and check for any ‘eco’ setting that could help you save money.
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Fixed shower heads
Unfortunately, you may find it difficult to find a shower head that fits if you have a fixed shower head.
As a bonus, as well as saving on your energy bill, if you pay for your water via a water meter, cutting down the amount of water you use will save on your water bill.
Is there help and advice for those worried about the rising costs of energy?
Yes, if you are worried about the cost of energy and being able to pay your energy bills, we have information on the support and help which may be available.
Find out more about the support available from the government including energy-saving tips on the GOV.UK website.
Remember, by combining our smart energy tips you could save even more on your energy bills. Try reducing your boiler flow temperature or turning down your thermostat. Or take a look at our tips for saving water, or whether it's cheaper to take a bath or a shower.
How much could I pay to run household appliances?
The appliance energy calculator below will show how the price cap change could affect the cost of using everyday household appliances. Simply update the drop-down buttons with your estimated usage to see the costs.
The energy calculator below will show how the price cap change could affect the cost of using everyday household appliances. Simply update the drop-down buttons with your estimated usage to see the costs.
The calculator below will show a cost estimate for the current price cap (April-June 2026), and compare that to the previous price cap (January-March 2026), and the price cap before that (October-December 2025). So, you can see how your energy bills might have changed over time.
Please note: The electricity used by domestic appliances can vary depending on make and model, so we’ve used average power ratings. We have also used the price cap figures for a standard variable rate, so this calculator doesn't take into consideration any fixed tariffs or additional costs.
This calculator was last updated on 01/04/2026.
How will the price cap increase affect my bills?
£37
Cost per month
Based on the current energy price cap
−£5
Compared to the previous price cap
(Jan-Mar 2026)
−£3
Compared to the price cap before the previous
(Oct-Dec 2025)
Our energy saving tips are courtesy of Nesta and Energy Saving Trust
It’s important that you use the energy you need to keep warm, safe and healthy at home. Please visit our trusted partners pages for more information on how to safely implement these tips within your home - Nesta and Energy Saving Trust.
Remember, by combining our smart energy tips you could save even more. Some of these tips include:
