Exclusive: UK Households Advised to Adjust Curtain Routine as Clocks Spring Forward
With the clocks set to go forward on Sunday, March 29, marking the beginning of British Summer Time, households across the United Kingdom are being urged to make a crucial change to their evening habits. Experts have exclusively revealed that closing curtains at 8pm, rather than earlier in the day, can help slash energy bills by harnessing residual solar warmth.
Why Timing Matters for Energy Efficiency
As daylight hours extend, many persist with winter routines, drawing curtains and switching on lights as early as 5pm or 6pm. However, this common practice blocks the low evening sun from naturally heating homes. Sam Ficek, Managing Director at Pole Design, emphasises the error: "The mistake people make is treating spring like it's still January. Once the clocks change, you should be looking to keep those curtains wide open until 7pm or 8pm."
This adjustment allows the spring sun to warm living spaces, particularly in south and west-facing rooms, reducing reliance on heating systems when temperatures drop overnight. The shift not only promotes comfort but also contributes to significant energy savings over time.
Critical Adjustments Beyond Timing
Timing alone is insufficient if curtain installations are suboptimal. Ficek warns that poorly fitted curtain poles can undermine energy efficiency efforts, allowing cold air infiltration and warm air escape regardless of closure times. Key modifications include:
- Extending curtain poles approximately 25% wider than window frames, typically 15cm to 20cm on each side, to eliminate gaps.
- Maintaining a minimal 2cm gap between curtains and walls to prevent heat loss.
- Considering French curtain poles for enhanced draught blocking and light sealing.
- Installing portiere rods over draughty doors to curb heat escape from hallways or external entries.
- Utilising electric curtain tracks for automated opening at sunrise and closing at sunset, ensuring consistent warmth capture.
- Avoiding radiator obstruction by curtains, which traps heat behind fabric instead of circulating it.
Simple Fixes for Maximum Impact
These adjustments are straightforward and cost-effective, addressing common oversights in curtain setups. Ficek notes that many focus solely on fabric choices while neglecting pole arrangements, which can drastically affect thermal retention. By implementing these changes, households can optimise their homes for the warmer months, leveraging natural resources to cut expenses and enhance sustainability.
The advice comes as part of a broader push for energy-conscious living, with the clock change serving as a timely reminder to reassess domestic habits. As summer approaches, these small modifications promise tangible benefits for both wallets and the environment.
