UK households urged to keep curtains open until January for free £362

UK households have been urged to keep curtains open until January - as the Ofgem price cap rises. Experts at Shutterly Fabulous have found up to £362 can be saved on energy bills annually by ensuring curtains, blinds, or shutters are open during the day to allow sunlight to naturally warm your home, utilising the natural greenhouse effect.

Sam Tamlyn, interior expert and managing director at Shutterly Fabulous said: “Investing in high-quality shutters, blackout blinds, and thermal blinds is a clever move for any homeowner looking to improve their energy efficiency and save where they can on their bills.

“With winter well and truly here, it’s important to be mindful of saving on energy costs where possible, especially with rising prices. This hack is great because it helps you utilise what you’ve got and ensure that you’re saving money when and where possible.”

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Once the evening arrives, closing the curtains helps insulate against the cold window frames in the absence of natural light. Experts support this advice, stating: "When it is below freezing outside, it is generally better to keep the curtains open during the day to allow sunlight to enter the home and help warm the interior. Allowing the sunshine to come in can help offset some of the heat loss through the windows."

They add: "Closing the curtains would prevent that solar heat gain. However, it's also important to ensure the windows are well-insulated to minimise heat transfer through the glass. The optimal approach depends on factors like the home's insulation, the amount of sunlight, and the severity of the cold temperatures outside."

The Mill Shop said: "Keep curtains open during sunny spells in the daytime to make the most of natural light and heat. Close curtains when it's cold and dull, particularly at night, to reduce losing heat via windows and doors. Choose an insulating curtain for best results, or a lined curtain.

"You could even line existing curtains to increase their insulating properties."