A simple 10-minute daily task can keep a bedroom warm at night without switching on a radiator, according to a personal account shared by Katherine McPhillips. The method relies on opening curtains wide during the day so sunlight warms the air near windows, with walls, floors and furniture absorbing that heat and releasing it after dark.
McPhillips, who lives in an old Victorian house, says she first learned of the technique from her roommate. Over the years, it has become one of the simplest ways the household has cut energy bills. She opens all curtains and blinds as wide as possible in the morning, checks the sunset time for her area online, and sets a phone reminder to draw them as darkness falls.
How sunlight warms a room
Most people keep curtains shut through autumn and winter believing it retains heat, but sunlight can significantly warm the air close to a window, and that can be enough to heat an entire room. Much of that light is absorbed by nearby surfaces, and once darkness falls, closing the curtains seals the warm air inside.
The routine takes no more than 10 minutes of effort but is generally enough to keep a room comfortable throughout autumn, meaning the heating does not need to be switched on at night until it becomes properly cold around December or January.
Extra tips for retaining warmth
McPhillips suggests placing a rug near windows and radiators, as thick material helps retain warmth in the floor for longer. Giving windows a thorough clean before putting the heating on allows more natural light into the home, making the trick more effective.
She also rearranges bedroom furniture at this time of year to ensure large pieces such as beds or wardrobes do not block heat from entering the room. Furniture should be moved away from windows and radiators so warm air can flow freely and distribute heat more evenly. Thermal curtains with special lining fitted around bedroom and living room windows also prevent cold air from penetrating.
Keeping warm during colder months without breaking the bank can prove difficult, but getting into the routine of opening curtains can be an excellent way to keep the chill at bay.
