British Gas is urging households to close their curtains and blinds before 5pm to keep homes warmer and reduce energy bills. As temperatures fall and energy prices climb, families are looking for cheaper ways to stay warm without relying heavily on central heating.
Ofgem confirmed that energy bills rose by 4% at the start of October, prompting many households to delay switching on their heating. In response, Jessica Rawstron, smart energy engineer at British Gas, says that changing when you draw your curtains or blinds can make a home feel cosier without touching the thermostat.
Curtains Can Cut Heat Loss by 15 to 17%
Energy experts at Your NRG explained, "Blinds reduce heat loss by 13 to 14%; curtains can cut heat loss by 15 to 17%." Yet many households only close their window dressings at bedtime, potentially losing heat throughout the day without realising it.
Windows are "one of the most common areas for heat loss" as temperatures drop, according to the engineer, particularly in homes with older glazing. Jessica advised, "If you've got curtains, close them before darkness hits or while you're out of the house and keep that lovely heat where it should be – inside."
Open Curtains in the Morning for Natural Warmth
As the clocks go back, darkness falls around 5pm, so it's worth closing curtains before then. The following morning, throwing open curtains as soon as the sun rises lets natural warmth flood into the home, cutting down on the need for central heating.
To further reduce heat loss, Jessica advised, "Get yourself a pair of thermal curtains." Your NRG noted that correctly fitted thermal curtains can "improve insulation by up to 25%".
DIY Thermal Curtains on a Budget
If premium double-layered blinds or curtains are too expensive, energy efficiency specialists at Electric Radiators Direct suggest a DIY alternative: take any spare blankets or bath towels and safety pin them to the back of existing curtains, "adding an extra layer of insulation".
They advised, "Close them at night but open them during the day to let in sunlight and natural heat."
