Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert (MSE), has shared a simple yet effective tip to help UK households reduce energy bills and keep homes warm this winter. With the recent Ofgem price cap hike in October, his advice remains highly relevant. The strategy, first shared on his ITV show in November 2022, is still endorsed by MSE experts as a practical way to save money.
The key tip is to close curtains around 4pm each day, as sunset now occurs at about 4.14pm across the UK. Lewis recommends using thermal or fleece-lined curtains to trap heat inside. He advises: 'When the sun is shining, keep curtains open to let light and heat in. When it gets dark, close them to keep heat in.' Doing this rigorously can help insulate your home and delay the need to turn on heating.
For those on a budget, Lewis suggests attaching inexpensive fleece blankets to existing curtains as lining, but stresses checking that the fleece is fire-resistant. He also recommends other energy-saving measures such as installing reflective panels behind radiators and eliminating draughts. His mantra, 'Heat the human, not the home,' encourages using personal heating solutions instead of central heating to warm only occupied rooms.
The science behind fleece-lined curtains involves trapping layers of insulating air, reducing heat transfer through convection, conduction, and radiation. This keeps warm air inside and cold drafts out. Many retailers, including Dunelm, Amazon, Argos, and B&Q, stock suitable curtains. By adopting this 4pm rule, households can potentially lower their energy bills while staying comfortable throughout the colder months.
