Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis is providing practical advice for homeowners as many people in the UK are facing challenges with high living costs and rising energy bills. Known for his valuable insights, Lewis regularly shares money-saving tips on his social media platforms, BBC podcast, and ITV show, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live.
One key tip he shared on his ITV show a few years back remains relevant amidst the recent Ofgem price cap increase. According to the official Money Saving Expert website, the segment was filmed in November 2022, and the advice is still effective.
The tip involves a strategy to help households maintain warmth and potentially reduce expenses. By following a specific routine daily as temperatures drop, households can benefit. Lewis emphasizes the use of energy-efficient curtains, specifically thermal-lined curtains, to manage heat effectively.
He suggests opening curtains during sunny periods to allow natural light and warmth into the house, then closing them as it gets darker to retain heat. Consistently following this practice, particularly if the curtains are lined with fleece, can improve insulation and be done inexpensively as a DIY project.
As the days get shorter, Lewis recommends adjusting the timing of curtain closure accordingly. For those with the means, investing in thicker curtains is advisable. However, for budget-conscious individuals, Lewis suggests lining existing curtains with affordable fleece blankets, ensuring they are fire-resistant.
This curtain-related advice is part of a range of energy-saving recommendations Lewis offers on his MoneySavingExpert website. In addition to curtain tips, he covers topics such as using reflective panels behind radiators and addressing drafts.
Lewis often promotes the concept of “Heating the human, not the home,” advocating for personalized heating solutions over costly central heating, especially when warmth is needed in specific areas rather than throughout the whole house. Fleece-lined curtains work by creating insulating layers that reduce heat loss and draft prevention, leveraging principles of heat transfer like convection, conduction, and radiation.
Retailers like Dunelm, Amazon, Argos, The Range, B&Q, Tesco, and others offer a variety of curtains, including thick or fleece-lined options. By adopting these energy-saving strategies, households can manage their heating costs more efficiently and stay comfortable during colder months.