Forgotten Victorian trick could help Brits save hundreds in bills this winter

As temperatures continue to drop across the UK, households are bracing for high energy costs this winter, but a long-forgotten Victorian trick could help keep homes warm without draining bank accounts. While it's tempting to crank up central heating when the cold bites, the heat can quickly escape through poorly insulated areas, wasting money and energy.

Modern Britons have been turning to personal heaters and a variety of "life hacks" to stay comfortable, but experts say a simple technique used in the 1800s could be just as effective today, and it won't add a penny to monthly bills.

According to the SEO agency IMSR, online searches for terms such as "help with energy costs" have risen 80% in the UK, highlighting the growing pressure on households.

Ofgem estimates that the typical UK household will spend around £1,755 from October to December 2025, or roughly £146 per month, on energy.

Experts at Plumbworld recommend hanging heavy door curtains, a method the Victorians called portières, across draughty internal doorways or behind front doors.

Paired with a basic draught excluder at floor level, these fabric barriers can trap heat in the rooms being used, preventing warm air from escaping to colder areas of the home.

"Victorian radiators were modest compared to modern heating systems, so every method to conserve heat was important," said a Plumbworld spokesperson.

"In today's homes, a heavy curtain can trap the warmth you've already paid for, lifting the temperature in a room by 1-2°C without turning the thermostat higher."

The benefits are particularly relevant in the UK, where around 9.6 million households live in poorly insulated homes prone to draughts, according to the English Housing Survey analysed by the Institute of Health Equity and Friends of the Earth UK. Tests by Salford University Energy House found that heavy curtains can reduce window heat loss by one-third to two-fifths, providing a noticeable improvement in comfort.

Which? experts also emphasise that simple draught-proofing measures, including sealing gaps and checking doors and windows, can make a home feel warmer immediately and help reduce energy bills over time.

For renters and homeowners alike, bringing back this Victorian approach offers a low-cost, effective way to keep winter chills at bay-no gadgets, tools, or technical know-how required.