Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has shared a simple curtain tip that could help UK households save money during the colder months and amid rising energy prices
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has offered some sage advice to homeowners across the UK who are struggling with rising living costs and skyrocketing energy bills. The financial guru, who is trusted by millions for his practical advice, regularly shares tips through his social media platforms, BBC podcast, MoneySavingExpert website, and ITV programme, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
One particular tip could help Brits keep their homes warm for longer while potentially saving on expenses. He first shared this method on his ITV show a few years ago; however, in light of the recent Ofgem price cap increase in October, the advice remains relevant.
On the official Money Saving Expert website, his team of experts note that the segment was filmed in November 2022 and confirm that “the tips still work.” The strategy involves strictly adhering to a specific ‘rule’ at a certain time each day as temperatures drop.
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Speaking to viewers at the time, he said: “Use tactical curtains.”, according to the Manchester Evening News. He’s talking about energy-efficient curtains designed to manage heat retention; these are usually thermal, lined curtains, reports ChronicleLive.
He went on: “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. I know we all know that, but doing it rigorously can help insulate, especially if you line it with a fleece. There are lots of tips online on how to do that, and really cheaply-do it yourself.”
It’s recommended to draw your curtains closed around 4pm to capture as much warmth in your home as possible, delaying the point when you need to turn on the heating. As we move through the month, sunset times will get increasingly earlier each day. By November 30, it’ll be roughly 3.55pm, meaning you’ll have to adjust your daily schedule accordingly.
If your finances permit, buying a new set of thicker curtains could be a smart purchase. For those watching their pennies, Martin Lewis suggests lining your existing curtains with cheap fleece blankets.
However, he warns to make sure the fleece fabric is fire-retardant. These tips are part of Lewis’ wider range of energy-saving advice, most of which can be accessed on his MoneySavingExpert website. In addition to curtain advice, he also covers other subjects such as placing reflective panels behind radiators and tackling draughts.
A mantra often used by Martin Lewis is: “Heat the human, not the home”. This money-saving approach encourages the use of personal heating methods rather than relying on expensive central heating systems to heat your entire property.
These tactics are particularly useful during periods of skyrocketing energy costs and are designed for times when you’re stationary and only need heating in one or two areas.
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