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money in the long run. If you're looking to save on your energy bills, opting for a low-flow shower handset is one of the simplest ways to do this." If nothing wakes you up in the morning more than a power shower (which, naturally, tend to use more water), consider trying an 'air shower head' instead - these are designed to mix air and water in order to create the feel of a power shower while still being more energy and water-efficient.
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LITTLE FEATURES AND DESIGN ADDITIONS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE Whether it's a multi-setting shower head or a wall-mounted storage tray, modern designs allow you to add a variety of useful features to
your shower. Margaret Talbot, marketing manager of VitrA UK, says: "A shower seat, either freestanding or a fold-up model attached to the wall, is a comfortable addition. Don't forget to add a towel rail and a wall-mounted storage basket for shampoo. If you're planning an over-bath shower though, forget about shower curtains - they don't contain the water effectively."
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LOOK FOR ENERGY-SAVING OPTIONS TOO According to the Environment Agency, the average UK household uses 140 litres of water each day, with showers being responsible for around 30% of this.
BE SMART WITH YOUR TECH CHOICES With technology becoming more advanced year after year and increasingly featuring in our homes, it should probably come as no surprise that this now extends to the realm of showers, too.
Whether it's controlling your shower settings via the clock of a button or through an app, or having screens and speakers installed, bathroom design can now be pretty high-tech. And this doesn't stop at design features inside the shower, either - there are smart options for guarding against leaks and water damage, for instance, too. Matt Poll, CEO and founder of the UK's first smart home insurance provider, Neos, says: "Smart home technology is a great option to look into when upgrading your shower, allowing you to help prevent leaks escalating. Some insurers now offer smart home technology as part of your package, so it's worth looking around to see what you can get. "If you're having complex pipework laid, for example a wet room, it's a good idea to look into some wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled leak sensors. They can be installed in minutes and mean the smallest of leaks can be detected, both while the work is being carried out and down the line, when the pipework might be hidden away behind tiles.”
But as well as improving the style and functionality of your bathroom, looking to upgrade your shower could be an opportunity to make your home a little more planet-friendly too, and help reduce your energy bills in the longer term. Andy Grigor, head of design and dnnovation at Methven, says: "Making your bathroom more eco-friendly can save you
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