Key Highlights
- UK households are being advised to close curtains from around 4pm in November.
- This practice can reduce heat loss through windows and save on energy bills.
- The government could save £34 million by encouraging this behavior among households.
- Curtain management is part of a broader strategy to manage rising energy costs.
UK Households Urged to Close Curtains for Energy Savings
As winter temperatures begin to dip, UK households are being advised by experts to close their curtains from around 4pm in November. This simple action is part of a broader strategy to manage rising energy costs and reduce overall household expenses.
The ‘Tactical Curtain’ Strategy
The recommendation comes as part of what Martin Lewis, a well-known financial advice expert, calls the “tactical curtain” strategy. This involves opening curtains during daylight hours to take advantage of solar gain—letting sunlight in when it’s warm and bright. Once the sun sets, households are advised to close their curtains to retain the heat inside.
According to reports from The Times, this practice can significantly reduce heat loss through windows, which account for about 30% of energy use in homes. By keeping the curtains closed when it gets dark outside, homeowners can create a more efficient insulation barrier that helps maintain warmth within the house without relying on central heating.
Financial Impact and Government Incentives
The government is keen to encourage this behavior as part of its broader strategy to manage rising energy costs. A spokesman for David Wilson Homes explained that this simple act can help homeowners keep their living spaces warmer, thus reducing the need to turn on heaters prematurely.
Furthermore, experts estimate that if households follow this advice, it could save the government £34 million in energy bill support. The Office for National Statistics revealed that only about half of UK households actually close all their curtains at night, suggesting a significant opportunity for savings both individually and collectively.
Broad Impact on Energy Bills
Energy bills have risen dramatically over the past few years due to factors such as Brexit, the impacts of the pandemic, and geopolitical events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result, energy giants are posting record profits while households face higher costs.
To help mitigate these rising expenses, various government schemes and incentives are available. For instance, UK households could claim up to £10,000 in energy support as part of the Government scheme, which includes initiatives like the £7,500 grant for home improvements designed to reduce energy consumption.
Practical Tips and Advice
In addition to managing curtains effectively, households are advised to take other simple steps to keep their homes warm. These include using towels or bubble wrap in windows, turning off “demon appliances” that consume unnecessary power, and completing a 5-second task every day to make living rooms 10°C warmer without switching heating on.
Experts also recommend using grandmother’s simple towel method—covering gaps around doors and windows with towels—to prevent heat from escaping. These small actions can add up to significant savings over the colder months ahead.
The advice underscores the importance of adopting energy-efficient practices as winter approaches. By making small changes like closing curtains at the right time, households can play a crucial role in reducing their overall energy consumption and costs.
