If you’re dreading the cooler temperatures this autumn then this handy trick might be worth a try to help you save on bills while keeping your house toasty warm
Many of us are dreading rising energy bills but this clever trick could help you save on heating costs.
With autumn creeping in and temperatures beginning to dip, many of us are staving off the inevitable – turning the radiators back on. Even worse, with Ofgem’s energy price cap set to rise in October, many households are fearing the added pinch.
Luckily, there are some easy ways in which you can cut down on energy costs. An expert has shared a simple trick that could help households stay warmer without spending extra on heating.
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James Harrison, electrician at Fusion Electrical, explained: “Curtains and blinds aren’t just for privacy. Used properly, they might make a noticeable difference to how much heat your home holds onto.”
However, the time of day makes a difference. James said: “During the day, keep your curtains and blinds open if the sun is shining through your windows. That allows free solar heat to naturally warm your rooms. Once the sun sets, close them again. That simple act helps create a barrier that traps the warmth you’ve already collected.”
The effectiveness of the hack also depends on the type of curtain you’re using. James advised: “Thicker curtains provide better insulation, especially if your property has older or single-glazed windows.”
He added: “For even more effect, layering curtains over blinds might cut down on draughts and stop heat escaping quite as quickly.”
Windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in UK homes. “Even in well-maintained houses, a significant amount of warmth can escape through the glass,” James said. “Curtains and blinds create an extra buffer that could make a room feel more comfortable for longer.”
But it is not just windows that need attention. Harrison pointed out that cold draughts can creep in through unexpected places. “Keyholes, electrical outlets, vents and gaps around doors can all let in cold air. Simple fixes like draught excluders, outlet covers or a strip of caulking could stop that priceless heat disappearing before you even realise,” he explained.
James advises that taking these small steps together can make a noticeable difference over the season. He said: “None of these measures will replace your central heating, but together they could reduce the amount of warmth you lose and ease the strain on your energy bills.”