UK households with electric showers urged to make major change this week

Brits with electric showers in their homes are being encouraged to make one quick change this week.

The warning comes as the UK was hit by yet another heatwave - with stifling highs of 34C sweeping across the nation on Saturday, July 12. The scorching temperatures are slated to last much of this week, before climbing into the low 30s and eventually being quashed by thunderstorms.

Earlier this week, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Jason Kelly, said: "High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. This heatwave is expected to be longer lived and extend further north and west into a larger part of the UK than previously seen this summer."

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As a result of the intense heat spell, Kerry Hale, shower expert at Mira Showers has warned that electric shower temperatures can become 'unsafe' in the summer - as the heat can warm up the cold mains water supply. To combat this issue, Brits are being urged to switch their showers onto the 'eco' setting.

"Hot weather affects electric showers since the incoming cold mains water supply can be warmer during summer," Mira said, in a statement sent to the Mirror. "This increases your shower temperature, which could become unsafe if you don't adjust the settings.

"With a shower's Medium or Eco setting, only one heating element is used, which is helpful for those looking to limit their power and water consumption. This setting will heat the water to a comfortable showering temperature in summer."

The expert also urged Brits to make sure their shower head and hose are 'clear of obstructions' when adjusting their electric shower. "Limescale build-up in shower heads can restrict water flow, contributing to temperature issues," she added.

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While taking a freezing cold shower may feel tempting during the heatwave, experts actually recommend washing with lukewarm water instead. As previously reported, when it is hot, the vessels closest to our skin widen, which means more blood can get near the surface where it is cooler, and the body circulates blood, bringing the body temperature down.

Jumping in a cold shower causes those same vessels to restrict, sending the message that we need to warm up, not cool down, which means "less blood is now flowing to the surface of the skin. This will hold the heat in and around your organs instead of getting rid of it," per The Independent.

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