Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has shared a number of cost-cutting tips for those looking to reduce their energy bills. He suggests following a ‘rule’ at a particular time of day
Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis has offered some cost-cutting advice for homeowners as millions across the country continue to grapple with high living costs and soaring energy bills. The financial guru, who is widely trusted throughout the UK for his practical advice, regularly shares tips on his social media platforms, BBC podcast, MoneySavingExpert website, and ITV programme, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
One specific tip could help UK households keep warm for longer while potentially cutting costs. He revealed this strategy on his ITV show a few years ago; however, in light of the recent Ofgem October price cap increase, the advice remains relevant.
On the official Money Saving Expert website, his team of experts notes that the programme segment was recorded in November 2022 and confirms that “the tips still work.” The method involves sticking to a specific guide “rigorously” at a certain time each day as temperatures fall. Speaking to viewers at the time, he said: “Use tactical curtains,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
He’s referring to energy-efficient curtains designed to regulate warmth; these are usually thermal, lined curtains, according to the Mirror. He continued: “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.”
Today (Saturday, November 15) the sun is due to set at 4.10pm across London. Experts recommend drawing curtains around 4pm to retain as much warmth as possible in your home, potentially delaying when you need to switch on the heating.
Throughout the remainder of the month, sunset times will gradually become earlier. By November 30, it will occur at approximately 3.55pm, requiring households to adapt their routines accordingly.
For those who can manage the expense, purchasing heavier curtains could prove worthwhile. Lewis recommends that budget-conscious households consider lining their current curtains with inexpensive fleece blankets, though he stresses the importance of ensuring the fleece material is fire-resistant.
These suggestions form part of Lewis’s broader energy-saving guidance, much of which is available on his MoneySavingExpert website. Beyond curtain-related advice, he also addresses other strategies including positioning reflective panels behind radiators and addressing draughts throughout the home.
A mantra often echoed by Martin Lewis is: “Heat the human, not the home”. This cost-saving philosophy promotes the use of personal heating methods rather than depending on costly central heating to warm the entire house.
These tips come in handy during times of soaring energy prices and are intended for when you’re stationary and only need to heat a couple of rooms.
So, how do fleece-lined curtains work and where can they be purchased?
Fleece-lined curtains function by capturing layers of insulating air, which aids in reducing heat transfer and keeping out drafts. This mechanism is grounded on three scientific principles of heat transfer: convection, conduction, and radiation.
The effectiveness is boosted by the capacity of fleece to form air pockets, similar to how a winter coat retains warmth. Numerous retailers with a homeware section frequently offer curtains, including those made from thick or fleece-lined materials.
For instance, Dunelm, Argos, The Range, B&Q, Tesco and more.
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