As the UK braces for colder weather, Brits are on the hunt for cost-effective ways to heat their homes. Among the recent solutions is a portable gadget endorsed by Martin Lewis.
However, keeping the heating low can be a challenge, especially as households grapple with soaring energy bills, evidenced by an 80% increase in online searches for ‘help with energy costs’, according to SEO agency Improve My Search Ranking (IMSR). Nevertheless, heating experts at Plumbworld suggest a simple ‘Victorian fix’ could be the answer this winter to keep expenses in check.
The technique involves hanging heavy door curtains, known as portières in Victorian times, across draughty internal doorways and behind the front door, complemented by a basic draught excluder at floor level.
This fabric barrier retains the warmth you’ve already paid for in the rooms you’re actually using – no gadgets, no tools, renter-friendly, and it can be installed in minutes.
Research shows heavy curtains can reduce window heat loss by approximately 33% in modern glazing, according to tests conducted at Salford University Energy House, and by 39% for heavy curtains on traditional sash windows, as per Historic England research.
This decrease in heat escape results in a slight but noticeable increase in room temperature – typically around 1–2°C in the heated space, particularly during evening cold snaps.
Alternatively, if this isn’t feasible for you, another heating method involves utilising foil which was previously highlighted by Which? on TikTok.
In a post, the organisation stated: “Putting tin foil behind your radiators is a great way to heat your home for less! It’s quick, cheap and easy – a perfect hack for everyone, even if you’re not a confident DIY-er.”
The technique operates by bouncing the heat back into the room and it’s especially effective on exterior walls. You can purchase foil to assist with this for approximately £8.
However, if you’re keen to try the Victorian trick then listen up…
How to do the Victorian trick tonight:
- Fit a simple tension pole or track above the doorway (internal doors and the front door).
- Hang a thick, full-length curtain (wool, lined velvet, or a thermal curtain) so it lightly touches the floor and overlaps the frame.
- Add a draught excluder along the threshold; keep letterboxes and keyholes covered.
- At windows, close heavy night curtains; they’re proven to reduce heat loss substantially, reinforcing the effect.
- Keep fabric clear of open flames and don’t drape curtains over radiators or block vents.
