Martin Lewis has shared a simple household trick that could help Scots keep their homes warm as temperatures continue to drop, with householders being urged to close their curtains at around 4.10pm.
With winter approaching and daylight hours getting shorter, many people will be looking for ways to keep their homes cosy without having to turn up the heating and face potentially higher energy bills.
But the financial guru explained how a small change to your daily routine could help make the most of the natural warmth coming into your home and keep it inside once the sun sets.
The 'tactical curtains' trick
During the most recent episode of his ITV programme, The Martin Lewis Money Show, he discussed what he calls the 'tactical curtains' trick and explained why knowing when to open and close them can make a difference.
Rather than keeping curtains shut throughout the day, Martin advised householders to open them when the sun is shining to allow its natural warmth to come through the windows.
"So you want the curtains open," he said.
He explained that sunlight can help warm rooms during the day, allowing households to take advantage of the natural heat rather than immediately relying on central heating.
Close curtains once it gets dark
However, the important part of his advice comes once daylight begins to fade. Martin explained that as soon as it gets dark, people should close their curtains to help trap the warmth inside their homes.
"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," he stated.
For Scots, this means it could soon be time to start getting into the habit of closing curtains earlier in the afternoon. Sunset currently falls at around 4.10pm to 4.15pm in central parts of Scotland, with daylight disappearing even earlier further north.
Additional insulation and energy savings
This means householders may want to start thinking about closing their curtains around this time, rather than waiting until later in the evening. Keeping curtains open for as long as possible while the sun is shining allows rooms to benefit from the available daylight and warmth. Once it gets dark, closing them can provide an additional layer of insulation between the room and the colder window.
Windows can be a source of heat loss, particularly in older properties or homes with less efficient glazing. Curtains can help reduce the amount of warmth escaping, making them a useful addition to other energy-saving measures around the house.
While the trick will not replace the need for heating during particularly cold spells, it could help households make better use of the warmth already inside their homes. It is also worth making sure curtains are properly closed in the evening, rather than leaving gaps around the sides where colder air can circulate.
Households should also avoid covering radiators with long curtains, as this can prevent heat from circulating effectively around the room. With energy costs continuing to be a concern for many families, small changes to everyday routines can be worth considering.
