With autumn creeping in and temperatures beginning to dip, an electrician has shared a simple household ‘trick’ that could help people across the UK stay warmer without spending extra on heating. 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.”
He said that timing matters, and that shutting all the curtains around your house once it starts to get dark – which is between 6.30pm and 7pm this week – helps trap warmth inside. He 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.”
According to Harrison, the type of curtains can also influence results. He said: “Thicker curtains provide better insulation, especially if your property has older or single-glazed windows. 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. Explaining why he said: “Even in well-maintained houses, a significant amount of warmth can escape through the glass. 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,” he explained. “Simple fixes like draught excluders, outlet covers, or a strip of caulking could stop that priceless heat disappearing before you even realise.”
He added that these small steps, when combined, might make a noticeable difference over the season. “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,” he said.
How to keep your home warm during autumn and winter
To maintain warmth in your home during autumn and winter, seal any drafts around windows and doors using foam strips or draught excluders. Employ thermal curtains to retain heat, and make sure your loft and pipe insulation is adequate to minimise heat loss.
Regularly check and service your heating system, such as bleeding radiators for optimal performance, and use your heating controls, including timers, to heat only the rooms you occupy. Add rugs to your floors, keep doors closed to unused rooms, and take advantage of natural sunlight by opening curtains on sunny days and closing them at night.
