Martin Lewis has advised UK households to close their curtains at 4:15pm each day this week to retain warmth as temperatures drop and energy costs rise. Speaking on his ITV Money Show Live, the personal finance expert explained that this simple step can help trap heat inside the home during colder months.
Energy Price Cap Rise Predicted
Last week, Lewis shared concerning news from Money Saving Expert, indicating households could face nearly 30% energy price hikes in January. The UK energy price cap rose by 3.6% on 1 October, pushing the average annual bill for a typical dual-fuel household paying via monthly Direct Debit to £1,723.
Lewis stated that current forecasts for the January Price Cap show an increase of 28.8%, which he described as "AWFUL." He referenced an internal MSE document that averages three forecasts, noting how predictions have changed as wholesale rates continue to rise.
Tactical Curtains and Radiator Tips
Lewis explained the reasoning behind the curtain advice: "When the sun is shining, that has radiating energy. Radiating energy coming in that heats your home. So, you want the curtains open. 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 also stressed that curtains should be placed behind radiators, not in front, to avoid heating the fabric instead of the room. For Venetian blinds, Lewis recommended angling them away from the window when shut to direct warmth inward.
Reducing Appliance Costs
Lewis highlighted tumble dryers as a costly appliance, with running costs of up to £1 per cycle. He suggested drying clothes on an airer outside to reduce usage, or using a dehumidifier, which he noted uses less wattage and can be more cost-effective.
Additional advice included installing reflective panels behind radiators on external walls to prevent heat escaping, with tin foil as a cheaper alternative. Lewis also recommended turning off radiators in unused rooms and adjusting boiler flow rates, which he said could cut gas bills by over 9%.
He concluded with general tips: checking TVs are on low energy settings, walking around the house to spot drafts, and sealing them where possible.
