Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, has once again highlighted a simple yet effective money-saving tip for UK homeowners struggling with rising energy bills. Known for his trusted financial advice, Lewis regularly shares practical strategies through his social media channels, BBC podcast, MoneySavingExpert website, and ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
One particularly useful recommendation involves the daily use of curtains to help keep homes warm without cranking up the heating. This advice, first aired on his ITV programme in November 2022, remains highly relevant following the recent increase in the Ofgem price cap.
Lewis and his team on the Money Saving Expert website emphasize the importance of following this “rule” rigorously at the right time each day as temperatures fall. The core of the advice is simple: open your curtains when the sun is shining to let natural heat in, and close them at sunset to trap warmth inside.
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On his show, Lewis explained: “Use tactical curtains.” These are typically thermal or fleece-lined curtains designed to insulate and regulate indoor temperature efficiently. He stressed the importance of consistently closing curtains as darkness falls to prevent heat loss.
With sunset currently around 4:14pm in the UK, Lewis advises drawing your curtains around 4pm to maximize heat retention and postpone turning on the heating. As evenings get darker earlier—sunset will be about 3:55pm by the end of November—adjusting curtain times accordingly is key.
For those able to invest, purchasing thick or fleece-lined curtains can offer long-term savings. Alternatively, Lewis suggests an affordable DIY option: lining existing curtains with fire-resistant fleece blankets to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
This advice aligns with Martin Lewis’s wider energy-saving mantra, “Heat the human, not the home.” It encourages focusing warmth in the rooms you occupy rather than heating the entire house unnecessarily. Additional tips include using reflective panels behind radiators and sealing draughts to keep heat in.
Fleece-lined curtains work by trapping insulating air layers, slowing heat loss through convection, conduction, and radiation—much like a winter coat keeps a person warm. Many retailers, such as Dunelm, Amazon, Argos, The Range, B&Q, and Tesco, offer suitable curtain options to suit various budgets.
Implementing this simple 4pm curtain rule can help millions of UK households stay warmer and reduce their energy bills during the chilly months ahead.