Millions of UK households are still being urged to follow the ‘rule’ daily to save on heating
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis shared cost-cutting advice for homeowners as millions nationwide continue facing high living costs and escalating energy bills. The financial professional, widely trusted throughout the UK for his practical guidance, regularly posts tips across his social media platforms, BBC podcast, MoneySavingExpert website, and ITV programme, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
One specific recommendation can assist UK households in maintaining warmth for extended periods whilst potentially reducing expenses. He revealed the strategy on his ITV programme a few years ago; however, following the recent Ofgem October price cap increase, the guidance remains relevant.
On the official Money Saving Expert website, his team of specialists notes the programme segment was recorded in November 2022 and confirms that “the tips still work.” The method involves adhering to a specific ‘rule’ “rigorously” at a particular time daily as temperatures drop.
Addressing viewers at the time, he explained: “Use tactical curtains.” He refers to energy-efficient curtains designed to regulate warmth; these are usually thermal, lined curtains, reports the Mirror.
He went on: “When the sun is shining, it is letting light and heat into the house, so you want the curtains open. When it gets dark, it’s not, so you want to keep the heat in by closing the curtains. I know we all know that, but doing it rigorously can help insulate, especially if you line it with a fleece. There are lots of tips online on how to do that, and really cheaply-do it yourself.”
Today, November 15, the sun is set to go down at 4.14pm in the UK. It’s a good idea to draw your curtains around 4pm to keep as much heat in your home as possible, delaying the need to turn on the heating.
As we move further into the month, sunset will get earlier each day. By November 30, it’ll be around 3.55pm, so you’ll need to adjust your routine accordingly.
If you can afford it, investing in a new set of thicker curtains could be a smart move. For those watching their pennies, Martin Lewis suggests lining your existing curtains with cheap fleece blankets. However, he warns to make sure the fleece is fire-resistant.
These tips are part of a wider range of energy-saving advice from Lewis, many of which are detailed on his MoneySavingExpert website. Alongside curtain advice, he also covers other areas such as using reflective panels behind radiators and tackling draughts.
A phrase often used by Martin Lewis is: “Heat the human, not the home”. This money-saving mantra encourages the use of personal heating solutions rather than relying on expensive central heating to warm the entire house.
These tips are particularly handy during periods of high energy costs and are designed for when you’re not moving about and only need to heat one or two rooms.
Why do fleece-lined curtains work, and where can you buy them?
Fleece-lined curtains operate by trapping layers of insulating air, which helps reduce heat transfer and ward off drafts. This process is based on three scientific principles of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation.
The effectiveness is enhanced by the ability of fleece to create air pockets, much like a winter coat keeps warmth. Numerous retailers with a homeware department often offer curtains, including those made from thick or fleece-lined materials. For example, Dunelm, Amazon, Argos, The Range, B&Q, Tesco and more.