Opening curtains during the day can keep a bedroom warm at night without switching on the radiator or spending any money, according to a simple 10-minute method.
The technique involves letting sunlight into a room during the day and closing the curtains at dusk to seal in the heat. It is particularly useful in autumn when temperatures drop and energy bills rise.
Katherine McPhillips, who lives in an old Victorian house, said she learned the method from her roommate and has used it for years to save money on bills.
How does opening curtains keep a room warm?
Many people keep curtains closed throughout autumn and winter because they believe it traps more heat in their homes. However, sunlight can warm the air near a window and be absorbed by nearby surfaces.
Walls, floors and furniture can retain that heat for hours. Once it gets dark, closing the curtains seals the hot air inside the room.
McPhillips opens all curtains and blinds as wide as possible when she wakes up, then searches online for the time the sun is expected to set in her area. She sets an alarm on her phone and closes the curtains when it goes off in the evening, or when she sees it getting dark outside.
Other tips to keep a bedroom warm at night
The 10-minute effort is usually enough to keep a room comfortable all autumn, meaning the heating does not need to be turned on at night until it gets really cold around December or January.
Placing a rug near windows and radiators can help keep the floor warm even longer, as the thick fabric retains heat. Cleaning windows before turning on the heating allows more sunlight into the home, making the trick more effective.
Rearranging bedroom furniture can also help. Large pieces like beds or wardrobes should be moved away from windows and radiators so hot air can circulate around the room more effectively.
Thermal curtains, which have special lining that stops cold air getting through, can also keep a home warm. Getting into the habit of opening curtains during the day is a simple way to keep the cold away without spending money.
