As a bitter winter chill grips the UK and energy bills continue to soar, households are being urged to adopt a remarkably simple and completely free habit to keep their homes warmer. This straightforward adjustment to daily routine requires no financial investment but can significantly improve a property's cosiness.
The Simple Curtain Habit Explained
Heating specialists are highlighting that a small tweak to when you open and close your curtains can have a profoundly beneficial effect on your home's temperature. The key is precise timing to trap existing warmth inside and create an effective barrier against the cold.
Gordon Wallis, an energy expert at Your NRG, explained the significant impact this can have. "Blinds reduce heat loss by 13-14%, curtains can cut heat loss by 15-17%, and properly installed thermal curtains can improve insulation by up to 25%," he revealed in a discussion with Ideal Homes.
Timing is Everything for Maximum Warmth
To maximise this free heating trick, Gordon recommends a specific schedule. Homeowners should draw their curtains at twilight, shortly after sunset. During the depths of winter, this could be as early as 4:00 pm.
This simple act helps to seal in the day's accumulated warmth and prevents cold from seeping in through the windows. Crucially, he also advises against letting curtains drape over radiators, as this traps heat behind the fabric and prevents it from circulating properly around the room.
As soon as the sun rises the next morning, the advice is to immediately open the curtains again. This allows you to welcome as much of the sun's natural heat into your home as possible, harnessing free solar energy to reduce the need for central heating.
Why This Free Method Works So Effectively
Experts at Aquarius Interiors echo this guidance, pointing out that windows are often a significant source of heat loss in homes, with a substantial amount of expensive warmth escaping through the glass.
By installing appropriate winter curtains, you can create a protective barrier that minimises this heat loss. Thermal curtains are particularly effective as they work by trapping a layer of air between the fabric and the window, creating an insulating buffer. The principle is simple: the thicker and more tightly woven the curtain material, the better it insulates.
This cost-free approach comes at a critical time. According to Money Saving Expert, a typical household paying by Direct Debit currently faces energy costs of around £1,755 per year under the existing Price Cap. It's vital to remember that this cap doesn't limit your total bill, but rather the price you pay per unit of gas and electricity.
The blogger at Ideal Homes shared an optimistic outlook, stating, "In the best-case scenario, you won't need to turn on your radiators and may be able to make do with one of the best electric heaters or best oil-filled radiators for a little heating boost instead." For countless Brits facing freezing conditions, this free curtain habit could provide much-needed relief for both their comfort and their wallets.
