As a severe cold snap grips the nation, a straightforward energy-saving tip from money expert Martin Lewis has received a significant endorsement from one of the UK's major energy suppliers.
The Simple Rule for Winter Evenings
Earlier in November, Martin Lewis and his team at MoneySavingExpert.com highlighted a crucial daily habit for households facing plummeting temperatures. Dubbed the '4pm rule', the advice is timed with the early winter sunsets, such as the 4.14pm sunset occurring today.
The principle is simple yet effective. "When the sun is shining, it is letting light and heat into the house, so you want the curtains open," Martin explained. "When it gets dark, it's not, so you want to keep the heat in by closing the curtains."
He emphasised that while the concept is common knowledge, applying it rigorously can make a real difference to home insulation, especially if curtains are lined with an inexpensive material like a fleece or a DIY shower curtain.
Official Backing from Octopus Energy
This practical advice has now been formally supported by Octopus Energy. The supplier confirmed that following this rule can lead to a substantial reduction in energy waste.
"You'll keep more heat in your home with less energy if you pull your blinds or curtains before it gets dark, up to a 17% reduction in heat loss," a statement from Octopus Energy read.
The company expanded on the tip, suggesting that closing curtains in front of external doors can further help to block out draughts and trap warmth inside. Their guidance mirrors Lewis's: keep curtains open during sunny daylight hours to capture free solar heat, and close them promptly after sunset to form a protective barrier against the cold.
Maximising Your Savings
For those looking to enhance the effect, both experts recommend cheap and easy solutions to improve existing window coverings. Adding thermal liners or even a second layer like a shower curtain can significantly thicken your curtains without a major financial outlay.
With energy bills remaining a pressing concern for millions, this endorsed method offers a proven way to cut costs and conserve energy during the coldest months of the year. Implementing the 4pm rule is a small daily action that can lead to meaningful savings on your heating bill.
