With water metres being installed in homes across the UK, it is common to see hot water bills rocketing. Moreover, the same trend applies to electric heating costs, as well. Naturally, households are searching for ways to save money on hot water bills. We are going to look at five steps you can take to make sure your next lot of bills are lower than ever before. You can also click here to find out more.

1. Use Less : This is the easiest step you can take. If you want to save money, use less. Most people are not on fixed tariffs. The more you use the more you are going to have to pay. Try to avoid using so much water by taking actions like not taking baths and opting for shorter showers instead. There are many online guides for how you can use less water.

2. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder : When water is heated,it is kept in a cylinder until it's used. Heat escapes through this cylinder over time. After about an hour, you will have to heat the water all over again. Electric heaters are expensive to run if you do not have any insulation over the cylinder. Get a tank jacket and it could save £30 a year on your hot water bills.

3. Know Your Boiler Controls : Read the instruction manual for your boiler and find out how to control it. You should only have to use it when necessary. By not having the right controls, you could be heating water when you don't need it for no good reason.

If you have an older boiler, you may not have these controls at all. In this case, it might be worth looking into getting a more efficient boiler with more controls. Generally, the more precise the control the more you are likely to save.

4. Consider the Fuel : Fuel types like oil are notoriously expensive and are often at the mercy of the global economic climate. Some people do suggest looking at gas-powered appliances, but this is not necessary. The difference between electricity and gas is negligible, and there are many advantages to sticking with electricity.

Look online and you will soon find a variety of ways in which you can make your electric water heating system more efficient.

5. Solar Panels : Think about having solar panels installed on the outside of your home. The energy generated from solar panelling could completely cover your hot water heating requirements. Although the installation costs are significant, you will make the money back over time. Nobody has ever lost out in the long-term when it comes to solar panelling.

Before you install solar panels, you have to think about a number of factors, including the direction your house faces. Call in a professional to help you with this. They will be able to perform an inspection and give you a quote for installing this green energy option.

Take note, it will take a few years for you to reclaim the money spent on solar panels.