Following the ‘rule’ daily during the cold weather can provide a heat boost
Octopus Energy is advising UK homeowners to adopt a “5pm rule” as temperatures stay low and utility expenses remain high. This strategy, which helps retain heat and potentially lower energy costs, has also been championed by Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder Martin Lewis.
Lewis first discussed this on ITV’s The Martin Lewis Money Show several years ago, but the advice remains current, given the ongoing cost of living crisis affecting UK households. Experts on the official MSE website have also confirmed that the tips, despite being filmed in November 2022, “still work”.
The principle of the method is to consistently follow a specific daily routine. It is designed to maximise heat retention in the house, thereby reducing reliance on expensive central heating.
Octopus Energy details the rule on its website, explaining that pulling blinds or curtains before nightfall can significantly conserve energy and heat. This action can result in up to a 17% reduction in heat loss. Additionally, closing curtains over external doors can help block cold air and trap warmth inside.
Explaining the ‘rule’ on its website, Octopus Energy says: “You’ll keep more heat in your home with less energy if you pull your blinds or curtains before it gets dark. Closing curtains in front of external doors can also help to block the cold out and trap the heat in.”
Explaining what to do, the energy supplier said: “Whilst the sun is shining, keep curtains/blinds open to let in the free heat from the sun. When the sun sets, close curtains/blinds to keep the heat in and the cold out. Curtain liners (or even a shower curtain) can be added during the colder months to thicken existing curtains.”
How to follow the rule:
- Daytime: Keep blinds or curtains open while the sun is shining to allow free solar heat into the home.
- Nighttime: Close curtains or blinds once the sun sets to keep the heat in and the cold out.
- Enhancement: To increase insulation during colder months, consider adding curtain liners or even a shower curtain to existing drapery for extra thickness.
With the sunset occurring between approximately 4.50 pm and 5.20 pm on February 10, depending on your specific UK location, experts recommend closing curtains around 5pm. This simple act can help maintain internal warmth, potentially delaying the need to activate central heating.
Martin Lewis offered similar advice, instructing viewers to “Use tactical curtains”. This refers to thermal or lined curtains designed for energy efficiency.
He emphasised the importance of rigorous adherence to the schedule: open curtains when the sun is shining to harness light and heat, and close them when it gets dark to insulate the house. He also mentioned that lining curtains with fleece can boost insulation and noted that cheap, do-it-yourself tips for this are widely available online.
He said: “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.”
What is the ideal home temperature?
The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to the lowest comfortable temperature, which, for most people, is between 18–20°C. British Gas says: “The best room temperature will vary depending on the people using that space. A good temperature for a household of healthy adults will be different to the ideal temperature for a home where vulnerable people live.”
According to The Sleep Charity, the ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping is 16–18°C. Anything over 24°C could be too hot and make you restless, while trying to sleep in a cold room with a temperature below 12°C could make it harder to nod off. As well as checking the room temperature, make sure the room isn’t draughty as that could impact sleep too.
