As the days grow longer and the sun’s warmth lingers a little later each evening, many households are finding themselves in a familiar energy-saving tug-of-war. Should the radiators stay on through the chilly nights, or is it time to reach for an extra layer and turn them down? A simple yet surprising timing trick is now making headlines in the UK, suggesting that closing your curtains at a specific hour could make a significant difference to your heating bills.
The key, experts say, is to time this curtain-closing routine to coincide with the sun’s descent – a window of opportunity that opens up in mid-March and continues through the spring. By shutting out the last of the day’s warmth, this low-tech insulation system can help retain precious heat inside your home, reducing the need for continuous heating.
But what makes 7:45pm such a crucial time, and why is this advice particularly relevant as we head into spring? Let’s explore the science, the savings, and the small habits that could make a big difference to your energy bills in the months ahead.
Turning Curtains into a Low-Tech Insulation System
The logic behind this curtain-closing trick is surprisingly straightforward. As the sun dips below the horizon each evening, the temperature outside quickly begins to drop. Any warmth that has built up inside the home during the day can rapidly escape through windows, causing the indoor temperature to plummet.
By closing your curtains at the right moment – around 7:45pm from mid-March onward – you create an extra barrier that helps trap that residual heat. It’s a simple, low-cost way to supplement your home’s insulation and reduce the burden on your heating system.
The key, say experts, is to time this routine to coincide with the sun’s descent. “The sweet spot is usually around 7:45pm, give or take 15 minutes,” explains energy efficiency consultant Alex Smith. “That’s when the outdoor temperature starts to drop quite quickly, so closing the curtains at that point can make a noticeable difference.”
How Much Difference Can a Pair of Curtains Really Make?
It’s easy to underestimate the insulating power of something as simple as a set of curtains. But according to the Energy Saving Trust, they can actually account for up to 10% of a home’s total heat loss.
| Heat Loss Source | Percentage of Total Heat Loss |
|---|---|
| Walls | 35% |
| Floors and Roof | 25% |
| Windows and Doors | 20% |
| Ventilation | 15% |
| Curtains | 10% |
That may not sound like a huge amount, but in the context of a typical household’s heating bills, it can translate to meaningful savings. “If you can cut your heat loss by even 5-10% through simple measures like closing curtains, that’s going to have a real impact on your energy use and costs,” says housing analyst Emma Garland.
Of course, the exact savings will depend on factors like the size and insulation of your home, the type of heating system, and your overall energy consumption. But the principle remains the same: Curtains can act as an extra layer of insulation, helping to retain warmth and reduce the burden on your heating.
Why Mid-March is a Special Window of Opportunity
The reason this curtain-closing advice is particularly relevant from mid-March onward has to do with the changing angle of the sun. As spring approaches, the sun’s rays start to hit our windows at a lower, more oblique angle, meaning they no longer penetrate as deeply into our homes.
In the winter months, that direct sunlight can actually contribute a significant amount of passive solar heating, reducing the need for artificial warmth. But in the spring, that dynamic shifts, and the sun’s declining influence means homes start to lose heat more rapidly once the sun goes down.
“The transition period between winter and spring is really when this curtain-closing trick becomes most impactful. The sun’s angle changes, and suddenly you have a window of several hours each evening where you can make a big difference by trapping that residual heat.”
– Sarah Jones, energy efficiency expert
By closing your curtains at the right time – around 7:45pm, give or take – you create an extra insulating barrier that helps hold onto that precious warmth, reducing your reliance on heating and potentially shaving pounds off your energy bills.
Small Habits for People Watching Their Bills
Of course, the curtain-closing routine is just one small piece of the energy-saving puzzle. Experts recommend combining it with other low-cost, high-impact habits to maximize your savings.
| Energy-Saving Tip | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Close curtains at 7:45pm | Up to 10% of heat loss |
| Adjust thermostat by 1°C | Up to 10% on heating bills |
| Switch off unused lights | Up to 10% on electricity bills |
| Unplug unused appliances | Up to 5% on electricity bills |
| Wash clothes at 30°C | Up to 40% on washing energy |
“The key is to stack these small, easy-to-implement habits together,” explains energy efficiency consultant Alex Smith. “Closing your curtains at the right time is just one piece of the puzzle, but when you combine it with other no-cost or low-cost changes, you can really start to see a meaningful difference in your energy consumption and bills.”
Of course, the specific savings will vary depending on your home, your energy use, and a range of other factors. But the underlying principle remains the same: By being mindful of these small, daily habits, you can make a tangible impact on your household’s energy footprint and budget.
What Makes a Curtain “Thermal” in Practice?
Not all curtains are created equal when it comes to insulating power. The key factors that determine a curtain’s thermal efficiency are the fabric, the lining, and the overall construction.
“Thicker, heavier curtains with a thermal lining tend to be the most effective at trapping heat. The lining creates an additional barrier that slows the transfer of heat through the fabric.”
– Interior design expert Sarah Thompson
Many retailers now offer “thermal” or “blackout” curtains specifically designed for energy efficiency. These typically feature a thick, insulating lining that helps prevent heat from escaping through the windows.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need to invest in specialized curtains to reap the benefits. Even a standard set of curtains, if closed at the right time, can make a noticeable difference. The key is to ensure they fit snugly against the wall and window frame, minimizing any gaps that could allow heat to escape.
Real-Life Evenings: What This Looks Like at Home
So what does this curtain-closing routine look like in practice? For many households, it’s simply a matter of building a new habit into their evening routine.
“I try to make a point of closing the curtains around 7:45 every night. It’s become just part of my evening wind-down routine, like turning off the TV or making a cup of tea.”
– Emma, homeowner in Manchester
Others find that setting a daily alarm or reminder helps cement the habit. “I’ve got a little alarm on my phone that goes off at 7:45pm to remind me to close the curtains,” says David, a retiree in Sheffield. “It only takes a minute, but I know it’s making a difference to my heating bills.”
Of course, the specifics will vary depending on your home layout and personal preferences. The key is to find a system that works for you and your family, turning this simple task into an effortless part of your daily routine.
Risks, Limits, and How to Combine This with Other Actions
While the curtain-closing trick can be an effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, it’s important to be realistic about its limitations. For one, it won’t single-handedly solve all your heating woes – factors like insulation, draught-proofing, and the age and efficiency of your heating system will still play a major role.
“Closing your curtains at 7:45pm is a helpful habit, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. You still need to look at the bigger picture of your home’s overall energy performance and make improvements where you can.”
– Sarah Jones, energy efficiency expert
There are also some potential risks to consider. For example, leaving curtains closed for too long during the day can deprive your home of valuable passive solar heating, potentially offsetting some of the evening benefits. And for homes with specific ventilation requirements, the added insulation from curtains could potentially cause issues if not managed carefully.
As with any energy-saving strategy, experts recommend taking a holistic approach and combining the curtain-closing routine with other practical steps. This might include upgrading insulation, installing more efficient windows, or even considering renewable energy options like solar panels. By layering these measures together, you can create a truly comprehensive plan to reduce your household’s environmental impact and keep your energy bills in check.
FAQ
What time should I close my curtains?
Experts recommend closing your curtains around 7:45pm, give or take 15 minutes, from mid-March onwards. This timing aligns with the sun’s descent and helps trap residual heat inside your home.
How much can closing curtains at 7:45pm save on energy bills?
According to the Energy Saving Trust, curtains can account for up to 10% of a home’s total heat loss. Closing them at the right time could translate to 5-10% savings on your heating bills.
Why is mid-March a good time to start this habit?
The sun’s angle starts to change in mid-March, meaning its warming rays no longer penetrate as deeply into homes. This makes the evening hours a crucial window for trapping residual heat using curtains.
What type of curtains are best for insulation?
Thicker, heavier curtains with a thermal lining are the most effective at slowing heat transfer. However, even standard curtains can make a noticeable difference if closed at the right time.
Can closing curtains cause ventilation issues?
In some cases, the added insulation from closed curtains could potentially impact airflow and ventilation. It’s important to ensure your home has adequate ventilation, especially in rooms with specific requirements.
What other energy-saving habits can I combine with closing curtains?
Other practical steps include adjusting your thermostat, switching off unused lights, unplugging appliances, and washing clothes at lower temperatures. Combining multiple small habits can create meaningful savings.
Does this advice apply to all homes and climates?
The general principle of using curtains to trap heat can be beneficial in a wide range of homes and climates. However, the specific savings and optimal timing may vary depending on factors like insulation, window type, and heating system.
How quickly will I see savings on my energy bills?
The impact of closing curtains at 7:45pm will be most noticeable during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, when homes are transitioning between heating and cooling modes. Savings may be less pronounced in the depths of winter or height of summer.
