With the Met Office forecasting temperatures in parts of the UK to reach nearly -10C in the near future, and parts of the country set to receive up to 10cm of snowfall, it is fair to say Winter has well and truly arrived.
Brits up and down the country will be looking for ways to keep their families warm whilst heating bills are through the roof – electricity prices are 40 percent higher than they were two years ago, and gas an eye-watering 60 percent higher.
However, heating experts have come forward with a simple hack for households to try that could help them save hundreds on their energy bills.
Catherine Storer, Executive Director from Essential Site Skills (ESS), explained: “As winter sets in, many of us start to worry about the rising cost of heating our homes. It’s a real concern, especially when we’re trying to keep our families warm and comfortable without breaking the bank.
“Thankfully, there are simple and effective ways to manage these costs. One of the easiest is to use our curtains wisely. It’s surprising how much of a difference this can make in keeping our homes warm and reducing our heating bills.”
Maximise on sunlight
“Letting sunlight into your home during the day is a great way to naturally warm it up. When the sun shines, open your curtains wide. This helps heat the room without turning up the thermostat.
“As soon as the sun goes down or it gets cloudy, close your curtains. This traps the heat inside, keeping your home cosy. It’s a simple habit, but it can save you a lot on your heating bills over time.”
Curtains on doors
Doors are often the culprit of cold homes, “Many people don’t think about their doors when trying to keep their homes warm, but doors, especially those with big windows like French doors, can let out a lot of heat,” Catherine said.
A solution to the issue of draughty doors could be hanging curtains over them, as well as your windows, Storer suggests, “This creates an extra layer of insulation that keeps the warmth inside and is especially useful in older homes where doors are known for being a bit more draughty.”
Consider thermal curtains
Any type of curtain used correctly can go some way to help keep your home warmer this winter, but thermal curtains are a game changer.
“Thermal curtains are specifically designed to keep heat in. They’re thicker than regular curtains and work by creating a barrier against the cold,” Catherine explains.
“When you hang these curtains, you’ll feel the difference in your rooms. They stay warmer, which means you won’t need to use your heater as much. This can lead to big savings on your heating bills, especially during the colder months.”
Fighting draughts in older homes
Curtains are a great and simple hack, but sometimes you need an extra barrier to combat the cold – especially in older houses.
“Older homes have their own charm, but they’re also known for being colder,” Catherine said. She added: “Along with using thermal curtains, draught excluders under doors can make a big difference. They block cold air from coming in, so your home stays warmer. This means you don’t need to crank up the heat, which saves you money. It’s all about making small changes that add up to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.”
Catherine concluded by saying: “Remember that preparing for the cold months doesn’t always mean spending more on heating. With the right knowledge and simple actions, like using our curtains effectively and adding draught stoppers, we can make our homes warm and cosy in a more affordable way.
“This winter, let’s not let the worry of heating costs overshadow the joy of the season. Instead, let’s use these easy tips to keep our homes comfortable and our heating bills under control.”
