As winter sets in, many Britons are looking for ways to manage their household energy costs amid soaring prices. Following the recent rise in the Ofgem price cap, which saw average annual energy bills increase by £35, Lewis’ tip is timely and easy to implement. It forms part of a wider strategy to help people make small, everyday changes that can add up to noticeable savings over time.
The Impact of Closing Curtains Early
According to MoneySavingExpert, the 4pm rule is a simple but effective tactic to limit heat loss in homes. Lewis explained that the key to the strategy is timing: “When the sun is shining, it is letting light and heat into the house, so you want the curtains open. When it gets dark, it’s not, so you want to keep the heat in by closing the curtains.” This habit prevents warmth from escaping once the sun sets, which can be particularly important as daylight hours shorten in the winter months.
The energy-saving principle behind this is rooted in insulation. Windows, while essential for letting in natural light, are also one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. By closing curtains at 4pm, you are essentially trapping warm air inside, preventing it from escaping through the glass. In fact, thermal or lined curtains can significantly enhance this effect by creating an additional barrier to reduce heat transfer. For those unable to afford new curtains, lining existing ones with fleece blankets, an affordable DIY solution, is another option.
Lewis first shared this tip in 2022, but with the ongoing rise in energy bills, the advice remains just as relevant. While this is not a cure-all for high heating costs, it can help reduce reliance on central heating, potentially delaying its use until later in the evening when temperatures drop further.
Complementary Energy-Saving Tips for the Winter Months
While the 4pm rule can certainly help with heat retention, Martin Lewis advocates a broader set of energy-saving measures to tackle high energy bills more effectively. One such strategy is addressing the issue of draughts. According to energy experts, sealing gaps around doors and windows can prevent cold air from entering the home, while ensuring that warmth stays inside.
Another simple and low-cost solution suggested by MoneySavingExpert is using reflective panels behind radiators. These panels help redirect heat back into the room, preventing warmth from being lost to the walls. Although these changes require a bit of initial effort, the impact they can have on reducing energy consumption over time can be considerable.
Lewis has also long championed the idea of heating people directly rather than entire homes. By investing in personal heating solutions such as electric blankets or portable heaters, individuals can warm specific areas of the house where they spend most of their time, instead of raising the temperature in unoccupied rooms. This targeted approach can be especially useful for people who work or relax in one room for extended periods.
Martin Lewis’ curtain-closing tip may sound simple, but it is a powerful way to save on heating costs. By reducing heat loss through windows, households can limit their reliance on central heating during the colder months. Combined with other energy-saving measures, such as draught-proofing and using reflective radiator panels, families can make real progress in keeping their energy bills under control.
