Martin Lewis's free energy bill trick to use before clocks go back

Closing curtains as soon as it gets dark can help slow heat loss through windows, potentially keeping rooms warmer and reducing the need to turn up the heating. The free tip echoes advice previously shared by Martin Lewis on his ITV money-saving show.

“When the sun is shining, it's letting light and heat into the house, so you want the curtains open,” Martin explained.

“When it gets dark, it's not, you want to keep the heat in, so close the curtains.”

The principle is straightforward: make the most of natural daylight and solar warmth during the day, then close curtains at sunset to help retain heat once temperatures drop.

The clocks will move back one hour at 2am on Sunday, giving most people an extra hour in bed but also bringing sunset forward.

The change means many households will need to rethink when they close their curtains, particularly if they have stuck to a summer routine of leaving them open until 8pm or 9pm.

Finally looks like we may be getting somewhere with STANDING CHARGES @andyburnham at #PMQs just now "“I can tell the House today that I have asked the chancellor and the energy secretary to look at whether we can remove standing charges from gas bills and to report back to this House at the earliest opportunity.”

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 21, 2026

The curtain routine to change when the clocks go back

With evenings getting darker earlier, households may find their usual curtain routine leaves windows uncovered for longer after sunset.

Sam Ficek, managing director at Pole Design , said people could overlook how much their habits change with the seasons.

“It's a really easy mistake,” he said. “We all get into routines, and in the summer, there's just no need to shut your curtains early. Privacy is often not even a concern. But once the clocks change, it starts getting dark around 4.30 or 5pm. And that's when the day's warmth starts to disappear. Closing your curtains can help to slow that process.”

Checking sunset times on your phone's weather app can help you adjust your routine as daylight hours shorten.

I've had thermal curtains in my bedrooms and living room since 2022, and have been closing them as soon as it gets dark ever since.

I've found that timing this with the heating coming on for a couple of hours in the early evening helps my house stay cosy well into the evening.

Thermal curtains can provide an extra layer of insulation, while thermal blinds may be worth considering for kitchen and bathroom windows.

If you're out during the day and don't get home until later, closing your curtains as soon as you arrive can still help retain warmth for the rest of the evening.

Check your curtain poles before winter

Closing curtains earlier is not the only thing worth checking. Poorly fitted curtain poles can leave gaps around windows, reducing how effectively curtains help keep warmth inside.

“Closing your curtains early really only helps if you have the right curtain poles,” Sam explained.

“If your pole doesn't extend far enough past the window frame, you'll have gaps that let cold air in and warm air out, no matter when you close them.”

1. He recommends ensuring curtain poles extend around 15cm to 20cm beyond each side of the window frame. For larger windows, a pole roughly 30% longer than the window's width can provide enough room for curtains to stack at either side when open. This also allows more daylight into the room during the day, helping households make the most of available sunlight.
2. Another thing to check is whether long curtains hang over a radiator beneath a window. Curtains covering radiators can obstruct the flow of warm air into the room. Shorter curtains may be a better option, or longer ones can be tucked onto the windowsill while the heating is on, provided they remain safely away from the radiator.
3. Other measures, including radiator reflectors and thermal window film, may also help reduce heat loss, depending on the home.

Three simple tips for the clock-change weekend

1. Make the most of daylight

Open curtains and blinds during sunny winter days, particularly on south-facing windows, to maximise natural light and solar gain.

2. Make dusk your cue

Rather than waiting until you feel cold, close curtains and blinds as daylight begins to fade. This can help reduce heat loss through windows.

3. Check your windows

Look for draughts around window frames and make sure curtains aren't covering radiators and obstructing the flow of warm air into the room.

Victoria Robinson, style and trend expert at Hillarys, adds: “The clocks going back is one of those seasonal moments that reminds us winter is on the way. We all remember to change the time, but very few people think about adjusting their home routines too. Rather than watching the clock, use fading daylight as your cue. Think of it as your home's curtain call, signalling that it's time to settle in for the evening.”

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The five-minute winter window MOT

Before the colder weather sets in, Hillarys recommends making a few simple checks around the home:

• Open curtains fully during daylight hours.
• Close curtains and blinds at dusk.
• Check for draughts around windows.
• Keep radiators clear of heavy furnishings and curtains.
• Consider thermal linings or insulating blinds before winter arrives.

Adjusting your routine and checking your window coverings could help make rooms feel cosier as winter approaches.