AS the temperature has suddenly dropped many Brits are looking for ways to keep the heat in without turning up the thermostat.
Heating experts have revealed that the easiest and cheapest way to stop the heat escaping your house is by using a Victorian method.
This centuries old trick will keep your house warm without racking up the heating bill.
Hanging heavy curtains (which Victorians called portières) over internal doorways and the front door, then pairing them with a draught excluder is called the “Victorian fix”.
Experts at Plumbworld said: “This fabric barrier traps the warmth you’ve already paid for in the rooms you’re actually using – no gadgets, no tools, renter-friendly, and you can install it in minutes.”
“Heavy curtains can cut window heat loss by roughly a third to two-fifths.
“That reduction in heat escaping translates into a small but noticeable lift in room temperature – typically around 1–2°C in the heated space, especially during evening cold snaps.
“On leaky period doors and halls, draught-proofing can slash infiltration dramatically, helping rooms feel warmer at the same thermostat setting,” the heating experts added.
“In comfort terms, that lets many households drop the thermostat a notch (about 1°C) without feeling colder”, the heating experts added.
Simply fit a tension pole or curtain rail above the doorway on internal doors and the front door.
Then, add a draught excluder at floor level and keep letterboxes and keyholes covered if possible.
Make sure to close the curtains at night because as the temperature drops they will substantially reduce heat loss.
Be particularly careful not to drape the curtains over radiators or block vents as they could become a fire hazard.
