Electrician’s Curtain ‘Trick’ Helps Keep Homes Warmer and Bills Lower 

As the autumn chill creeps in and winter edges closer, UK households inevitably turn their attention to heating costs. Rising energy bills remain a worry for many families, with budgets s tretched by everything from fuel to food prices. Against this backdrop, simple, low-cost techniques to keep warmth indoors have become more valuable than ever. 

One electrician has recently shared a straightforward “curtain trick” that households can use to keep rooms warmer for longer. At first glance it may sound almost too obvious, but used consistently it can reduce heat loss significantly, ease pressure on your boiler, and keep bills down. The idea isn’t new, yet it’s a reminder of how basic home habits—when combined with practical knowledge—can make a measurable difference. 

For electricians themselves, this kind of advice reflects a broader shift in the trade. Energy efficiency isn’t just about installing solar panels or rewiring for smart systems. Everyday conversations with customers now include guidance on cutting wastage and making homes more s ustainable. In the same way, career development for sparks increasingly links technical training with environmental awareness. From securing the right ECS trade card to planning your journey in becoming a qualified electrician, or even arriving from overseas and getting recognised qualifications, energy-saving know-how is part of the modern skillset. 

The Curtain Trick Explained 

James Harrison, an electrician at Fusion Electrical, has been advising clients to rethink their curtain use. His message is simple: 

• During daylight – open curtains and blinds wide if sunlight is shining in. The natural solar gain will warm up rooms for free. 

• After sunset – close curtains and blinds promptly to trap that heat indoors, creating an extra barrier against the night cold. 

It seems almost obvious, but the timing matters. Many people forget to adjust their curtains until much later in the evening, by which time much of the captured warmth has already drifted out through the windows. 

Heavier curtains are particularly effective, especially in older homes with single-glazed windows. For those in rental properties or older builds, layering curtains over blinds can double the insulation, reducing draughts and slowing heat loss. It’s a simple method, but one that has been shown to keep rooms warmer for longer and reduce unnecessary reliance on central heating. 

Why Windows Leak Heat 

Windows are notorious weak points in the thermal envelope of UK housing. Even in relatively modern properties, warmth can slip away through tiny gaps, poor seals, or the glass itself. A single square metre of uninsulated glass can lose around ten times more heat than the same area of insulated wall. 

By using thicker curtains or lining existing ones with thermal material, households effectively add another “layer” of insulation at night. The result is less draught and a cosier interior. 

Other simple and affordable steps include: 

• Draught excluders for doors – cheap, quick to install, and surprisingly effective. 

• Foam strips or caulking around frames – blocking those small but costly gaps. 

• Keyhole and outlet covers – often overlooked, but these stop cold air creeping in. 

Taken together, these measures not only save money but also improve comfort, something you really notice on frosty mornings. 

Boosting Efficiency Without Extra Spend 

Harrison is quick to point out that no single trick replaces central heating. But a combination of these habits helps homes stay warmer while reducing the load on boilers. And when bills are already high, shaving off even 5–10% makes a difference across a winter season. 

Here are four additional steps most households can take at little or no cost: 

1. Bleed radiators – trapped air reduces efficiency. A quick bleed can restore full heat output.

    

2. Install radiator reflectors – simple foil sheets behind radiators reflect heat back into rooms.

    

3. Close unused rooms – heating spaces you’re not using wastes energy; shut the doors and turn down the radiators.

    

4. Optimise heating controls – timers, thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves allow smarter control so you only heat when needed. 

Each measure is low-tech, low-cost, but collectively they help ease the burden on heating systems. 

Comfort Beyond Heating 

Warmth isn’t just about temperature readings; it’s also about comfort. Small, thoughtful adjustments can make rooms feel much cosier even at slightly lower thermostat settings. For example: 

• Rugs on hard floors – add insulation and remove the cold feel underfoot. 

• Furniture placement – move sofas away from external walls to avoid cold spots and allow warm air to circulate. 

• Zoned heating – use a small portable heater for the room you spend most time in rather than heating the whole house. 

Psychological comfort plays a role too. Simply knowing you’ve taken steps to reduce heat loss can make a household feel more in control, which reduces the stress that often comes with rising energy bills. 

Broader Lessons for Electricians 

For electricians, this case highlights an important point: customers increasingly value advice that extends beyond the technical wiring or installation. Offering small, practical suggestions—like the curtain trick—positions electricians as trusted advisors rather than just service providers. 

It also connects directly with broader industry changes. The drive toward net zero requires electricians to be literate in energy efficiency at every level. Whether advising on EV charge points, upgrading consumer units, or installing smart thermostats, the conversation naturally extends to how homeowners can reduce consumption day to day. 

This isn’t just goodwill. Electricians who d emonstrate awareness of cost-saving strategies can build stronger client relationships and encourage repeat business. Customers remember the spark who not only installed their sockets but also showed them how to keep their living room warmer at night. 

Linking Skills to Energy Awareness 

Energy-saving awareness is also shaping the way electricians themselves are trained and certified. 

• To work on site, an ECS trade card remains the essential proof of competence. Unlike the CSCS card, the ECS scheme is specific to electricians and signals that you meet industry standards. 

• For those beginning their journey, structured pathways such as Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas form the stepping stones to becoming fully qualified. The route to becoming a qualified electrician in the UK combines classroom learning, on-site experience, and assessment, culminating in eligibility for the ECS Gold Card. 

• And for overseas electricians, schemes exist to get non-UK qualifications recognised so you can build toward that same standard and demonstrate your competence in the British market. 

These steps may sound administrative, but they all tie back to the same theme: electricians are increasingly expected to operate in a world where sustainability, efficiency, and customer advice go hand in hand. 

The Future: Small Habits Meet Big Policy 

The curtain trick is just one habit among many, but it symbolises a wider truth. UK housing stock is some of the oldest and least energy-efficient in Europe. National strategies like the “Road to Zero” and commitments to phase out gas boilers by 2035 will take time. Until then, households need immediate, affordable tactics to stay warm. 

That’s where electricians step in. Beyond installing smart tech or renewable systems, they can bridge the gap by educating customers about insulation, efficiency, and low-cost behaviours. For the trade itself, it’s a reminder that being up to date with regulations is only part of the role; being relevant to customer concerns is equally important. 

The humble curtain may not look like an energy-saving device, but used thoughtfully it becomes exactly that. By opening during daylight, closing at dusk, and choosing heavier fabrics where possible, households can retain valuable heat. Paired with simple add-ons like draught excluders, radiator reflectors, and smart heating habits, the impact over a season is far from trivial. 

For electricians, this trick serves as a neat example of how technical expertise and practical advice can combine. It shows customers that sparks understand their everyday concerns—whether it’s warmth, safety, or bills—and are willing to share knowledge that makes life easier. 

In an era when energy prices remain unpredictable, families will be grateful for every bit of advice that saves money and keeps the cold out. And electricians who can link those everyday insights with their professional work stand to gain more trust, more repeat clients, and more opportunities in a market that values both skill and understanding. 

FAQ: The “Curtain Trick” and Energy Efficiency in UK Homes (2025) 

1 – What is the “curtain trick” that helps reduce heat loss in homes?

The “curtain trick” involves closing curtains or blinds at dusk (around 6:30pm or 7pm in the UK during autumn/winter) to trap warm air indoors and prevent heat escaping through windows, while using thicker or layered curtains for better insulation. This simple habit can help maintain indoor warmth longer, reducing the need for heating. 

2 – Why does opening curtains during the day and closing them at night make a difference?

Opening curtains during the day allows sunlight to enter, providing natural solar heating (passive solar gain) that warms the room, while closing them at night creates an insulating barrier, trapping heat and reducing loss through windows (up to 18–35% of total home heat loss). This day-night cycle maximizes free heat gain and minimizes radiative heat loss, potentially saving £20–£50/year on energy bills. 

3 – Do heavier curtains really improve insulation compared to lighter ones?

Yes, heavier curtains (e.g., velvet, corduroy, or thermal-lined) improve insulation by trapping more air between layers, providing better thermal resistance than lighter ones (e.g., sheers or thin fabrics), which offer less barrier against draughts and heat loss. Heavier fabrics can reduce heat loss by 20–30% more effectively, especially in older or single-glazed windows. 

4 – Can layering blinds and curtains help in older or rental properties?

Yes, layering blinds (e.g., cellular or roller) with curtains helps in older or rental properties by trapping air pockets for better insulation, reducing draughts, and minimizing heat loss without permanent modifications. This can improve energy efficiency by 20–40% in drafty spaces, making it ideal for rentals where structural changes are limited. 

5 – How much heat is typically lost through windows in UK homes?

In UK homes, heat loss through windows typically accounts for 18–35% of total heat loss, depending on glazing type (e.g., single-glazed loses more than double-glazed), with average homes losing 25–30%. In older properties, this can rise to 40% or more without proper insulation. 

6 – Are there other low-cost ways to keep warmth indoors alongside the curtain method?

Yes, low-cost ways include draught-proofing doors/windows with strips (£5–£20, saving £20–£50/year), installing radiator foil (£10–£20, reflecting heat back), using hot water cylinder jackets (£15–£30, saving £20–£40/year), keeping radiators clear of furniture, and sealing gaps around pipes or skirting boards with filler (£5–£10). These methods can collectively save £100–£300/year on energy bills. 

7 – Does this trick replace the need for central heating?

No, the curtain trick does not replace central heating; it is a supplementary measure that reduces heat loss (potentially cutting heating needs by 10–20%) but cannot generate heat on its own, especially in poorly insulated homes or during extreme cold. It works best alongside efficient heating systems. 

8 – How can electricians use energy-saving advice like this to build customer trust?

Electricians can build trust by sharing practical tips like the curtain trick during consultations or installations, demonstrating expertise in energy efficiency, which positions them as advisors rather than just technicians. This fosters repeat business, referrals, and upsells to efficient systems like smart thermostats. 

9 – What role does energy efficiency awareness play in modern electrician training?

Energy efficiency awareness is integral to modern electrician training, with courses like C&G 2365 Level 3 and NVQ Level 3 incorporating BS 7671 Part 8 (energy efficiency) and CPD programs (e.g., Level 3 Energy Awareness) teaching monitoring, insulation, and low-carbon tech to meet net-zero standards. It equips trainees to advise on efficiency, aligning with regulations like Part L. 

10 – How does this small habit connect with bigger national policies on energy use and net zero?

The curtain trick connects to UK net-zero policies by reducing home energy use (22% of emissions from homes), supporting targets like 68% reduction by 2030 and full net zero by 2050 through simple efficiency measures. It aligns with the Future Homes Standard and Seventh Carbon Budget for low-carbon housing.