Overview
- Martin Lewis reiterates his 4pm ‘tactical curtains’ rule to trap warmth after sunset, with tests showing heavy curtains can cut window heat loss by roughly a third, and he cautions any DIY fleece linings should be fire‑safe.
- He urges a ‘1 degree’ thermostat reduction that could trim bills by about 10%, while heating specialists stress that turning the thermostat up does not warm homes faster because it is a limiter, not an accelerator.
- Households with combi boilers are advised to lower boiler flow temperature to around 60°C, a change Lewis says can save roughly £100 a year without reducing room temperatures, though hot water may reach peak heat more slowly.
- Trades and consumer advisers highlight quick, low‑cost steps such as bleeding radiators, draught‑proofing, using radiator reflectors, fitting TRVs appropriately, and insulating hot‑water cylinders with jackets that can save up to about £200 a year.
- With forecasters warning of a UK freeze next week, survey data report 96% considering turning heating down and 66% worried about paying bills, underscoring demand for immediate, DIY measures and insulation upgrades.