The surprising way your CURTAINS are costing you money revealed – and how to fix it
CURTAINS aren't just an aesthetic feature in your home, and using them in the wrong way could be multiplying your already rocketing energy costs.
Simply putting up curtains can reduce your energy usage by as much as 15% - and could save you up to £30 a year on your bills at the same time.
But for some households that's not enough.
Supposedly a third of a home's total heat-loss comes through window and door openings.
So it's important to prevent this heat escape, especially when households are already paying extortionate amounts as a result of the energy crisis that's gripping the nation.
Many saw their bills escalate a further £139 this year as the energy price cap rose, but worryingly it doesn't stop there, as households could be paying another 40% more next year too.
The increase in the cost of living, and Christmas being right around the corner, are also both factors being unkind to Brits wallets at the moment - so keeping costs low is a must.
Marc Robson, smart energy expert at British Gas said: "Some heat in your home will inevitably escape but there are things you can do to minimise wasted energy and ensure the house quickly returns to a comfortable temperature while windows are closed."
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You can buy thermal blackout curtains that will help cut down your bills.
These work by being able to create a firm seal to the wall which can protect a home from the transfer of heat both ways – that means it'll be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer months too.
But that's not the only step you should take.
If you want to stop as much hot air escaping then try taping the curtains to the wall or using electrical tape to keep the middle together and closed.
You'll need to seal your drawn curtains with the heavy duty tape from top to bottom so no air can get through, but this will stop as much as 25% of heat loss in the process.
Tashema Jackson, energy expert at said: “There are a number of ways to prevent heat escaping your home and keeping your curtains closed, especially at night, is right at the top of the list.
"Make sure that the curtains overlap in the middle, or use pegs to ensure they are tightly shut, and if you want to go the extra mile, you can tape your curtains to the wall for that little bit more insulation.”
How can I maximise my energy saving?
Your end goal is essentially to plug up all routes of escape that heat may leave through, or cold air can creep in through.
The curtains will do a good job of this but it's not the only step you should take.
There are a number of budget ways you can achieve retaining heat too.
You can almost create your own DIY double glazing by placing a layer of plastic film on window frames to seal up the last pockets of escaping hot air.
You can buy window-film kits for around £5 – £10 too which is far cheaper than the cost of full double glazing - though another assured way to keep the heat in your home.
But really you can use any material for the second layer of glazing, as long as it's transparent and airtight.
Clingfilm will work fine and you can pick this up for as little as a pound on your next grocery shop- experts say you can save as much as £10 a month if it's used correctly though.
Martin Lewis' says you should see about getting your windows fixed properly if they are draughty though.
You may have to fork out for a pricey upfront cost but otherwise these solutions will only do half a job if you don't solve the root of the problem.
What else can I do to keep my home warm and bills low?
There are hundreds of ways heat could be escaping from your home and it's often a good idea to go room by room and understand where you're wasting energy most.
Marc Robson, from British Gas, said: “It’s important to only heat the rooms you’re using.
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"If you do open windows, especially under current government guidance, try not to go for the ones closest to your radiators, and close the curtains quickly afterwards to keep warmth in.
"It’s also worth making sure your radiators are working as hard as possible for you – so don’t block them with bulky furniture, and you could even try fitting foil panels down the back, to minimise heat lost through the walls."
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