As winter grips Britain like a vice, households across the UK are finding ways to keep their energy costs low while also maintaining a toasty temperature inside their homes. Ever since Ofgem’s price cap saw an increase by 2% starting October 1 this year, UK residents have been scrambling to keep their energy bills in check.
As winter relentlessly bashes down hardworking families across the island, all tips and tricks to reduce heating costs seem to be welcome. With that in mind, we spoke to several experts in a bid to find simple, cost-effective ways through which our homes can retain heat without skyrocketing utility charges. There was one incredibly simple yet often overlooked solution which all the specialists across the board recommended.
Curtains: that one thing we all have in our homes. Turns out it’s a highly valuable soft furnishing when it comes to retaining heat in houses.
Christine Matthews, a heating appliance expert from gr8fires.co.uk said: « Your floors and windows are major sources of heat loss.
« Drawing heavy, lined curtains as soon as it gets dark acts as a barrier, trapping heat inside the room. This is a very effective and often overlooked trick. »
With the majority of the UK currently experiencing sunset between 3.40pm to 4pm, that is the exact window during which households hoping to retain daytime heat should draw their curtains.
Kevin Keen, a construction expert, contractor, and owner of Keen’s Buildings said: « With more than twenty five years in construction and energy efficiency, I’ve learned that keeping heating costs down doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
“Opening curtains during the day to let sunlight in, then closing them at night, keeps that free heat inside.”
Home expert Ben Kruse, a South Jersey realtor and founder of the Choose Kruse brand, said: “Homeowners often think heating bills rise because the system isn’t powerful enough, but most of the wasted cost comes from heat escaping the house.”
Ben explains how curtains and blinds “play a bigger role” in keeping a house warm than people expect.
The home specialist added: « Keeping them [curtains and blinds] open during sunny hours and closed at night helps retain heat without touching the thermostat. »
Echoing the advice, Sequoya Cross, a nationally recognised leader in the renewable energy industry with 20 years of experience, suggests opening the blinds and drapes during the daylight hours “when these rooms get the most sunlight”.
Sequoya added: « Close them once the sun goes down so you can trap the “natural” heat inside.
« It’s a great way to lessen some of the chill of winter. Plus, natural light provides numerous health benefits, especially during the winter months. »
So this winter, if you’re looking to save on energy bills without too much expenditure on heat-generating and retaining devices, give those curtains a little workout as soon as the sun goes down.
