We all like to save a bit of money.
However, when it comes to investing in home improvements with the aim of reducing our annual utility bills, there can often be a reluctance to follow through on our plans.
So, why is this the case? Perhaps it's because of a lack of long-term vision and the thought of it taking years for the initial outlay to be paid back is a turn-off. Alternatively, it could be that there is simply a lack of awareness as to how significant the difference to your outgoings can be by making just a few simple changes to your property.
Whatever the reason, these days there are few valid excuses for sitting by and literally watching your money go down the plughole.
With this in mind, we thought it might be useful to read some of the cold, hard facts and figures associated with making your bathroom more water efficient and altering your behaviour. After all, water costs money in the same way that electricity and gas does - so why should you exclude it from any drive to become more economical?
Shower heads
If you have quite an old shower head, then it could well be worth investing in a more up-to-date model.
The latest devices use technology to make the water flow feel much higher than it actually is, so you don't have to expend as much water or energy to get the same effect as you would in an older unit.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a family of four could feel the benefit of updating their shower head to the tune of about £65 off their gas bill and £95 off their water expenditure every year if they are on a meter, meaning it really doesn't take long for this measure to pay for itself.
However, one thing to bear in mind is that low-flow shower heads aren't an option if you have an electric shower, as they can potentially cause damage to the shower itself.
Don't let your drips go un-noticed
Leaky taps and pipes often end up being the sort of jobs that get left at the bottom of the to-do list, as they don't inconvenience you in the same way that other DIY jobs might.
Or do they? If you are on a water meter, then every time you hear that dripping noise, you might as well be listening to the sound of your money trickling away.
A faulty tap can often be easily fixed by simply tightening up the washers using a wrench, but if left unattended, it can waste up to 5,500 litres per year.
Similarly, a tap that is left running can expend over six litres of water every minute, so turning it off when carrying out tasks like brushing your teeth or shaving can make a big difference over the course of a year.
Showers are the way forward
If you don't have a shower in your bathroom, then perhaps it's time to get one - especially if you're a fan of saving money.
Based on a family of four, the replacement of just one bath per week for a five-minute shower can result in a £15 cheaper heating bill over the course of a year, while that figure can be increased to £25 on your water bills.
Immersion heater? Insulate!
You probably already know there are savings to be had if you insulate your home - and the same also applies to your hot water cylinder.
Putting a jacket around your tank keeps the water inside warmer for longer, meaning you spend less time trying to heat it up in order to take your shower. Such an action can potentially result in up to £115 coming off your heating costs.
There are plenty of ways to cut your utility costs in the bathroom, so do your research to find out what are the most suitable steps for you to take to enjoy the benefits.