Martin Lewis has warned that a common curtain mistake could be significantly increasing your energy bills this winter, with many households unknowingly blocking radiator heat.
During a recent episode of Martin's ITV programme, he drew attention to a straightforward mistake many homeowners are making which is driving up their heating costs. Many homes feature radiators positioned beneath windows, meaning long curtains can hang down over the heater. However, Martin warned this could actually be stopping your home from heating up properly.
Curtains Should Sit Behind Radiators
"One really important thing - your curtains should be behind the radiator, not in front of the radiator," he said. "Or then the radiator is just heating the back of the curtains."
Martin also explained the best time to open curtains, and when to keep them closed during cold weather to retain warmth in your property and lower heating expenses, reports the Express.
Tactical Curtain Timing
He explained that, when the sun is out, solar energy streams through the windows into the home, warming it up. "So you want the curtains open," he said. "As soon as it gets dark, you're shutting them, because you want to trap that heat energy inside your house. That's what tactical curtains means."
Blind Angle Advice
One of the specialists appearing on Martin's programme, energy sustainability expert Professor Richard Fitton, demonstrated how Venetian blinds can be correctly positioned to retain warmth. He explained that the key factor is to pay close attention to the angle of the slats when the blind is closed.
Should the slats be tilted with the upper edge facing the window and the lower edge pointing towards the room, "that's bad because the heat is going up and towards the cold air". If, however, they are angled in the opposite direction, warm air from within the property will be directed back into the room, he went on to explain. "The difference between the two is about 14 per cent," he said.
