Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued urgent advice to UK households on how to keep energy bills under control as the nation braces for a severe cold snap. With temperatures predicted to plummet to a bone-chilling -7C, his timely tips could save families hundreds of pounds.
Arctic Blast Set to Grip the Nation
The UK is facing a dramatic temperature drop following the retreat of Storm Claudia. According to Dan Holley, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, a high-pressure system will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the country.
"This will bring much colder conditions than of late," Holley stated. He warned of widespread frosts and potential snow and ice hazards, with daytime temperatures expected to linger in single figures. A brisk northerly wind will add a significant wind chill, marking a stark contrast to the recent milder weather.
Martin Lewis' Simple Savings Strategies
This cold spell arrives at a time when energy bills are already squeezing budgets. In October 2025, the Ofgem price cap increase led to a 2% rise for millions on standard variable tariffs. The average annual dual fuel bill jumped from £1,720 to £1,755.
To help combat these costs, Martin Lewis shared two powerful, yet simple, strategies on his show.
The Tactical Curtain Hack
Lewis emphasised a method he calls "tactical curtains." He explained, "When the sun is shining, it's letting light and heat into the house, so you want the curtains open. When it gets dark, you want to keep the heat in, so close the curtains."
While this may seem obvious, Lewis insists that doing it rigorously can significantly improve home insulation. He further suggested lining curtains with a cheap fleece material, a DIY project with numerous online guides, for even greater effectiveness.
The Crucial 1 Degree Thermostat Challenge
Lewis's second tip addresses a common heating mistake. He urged households to take his "1 degree challenge." Noting that the World Health Organisation recommends 18 degrees Celsius for healthy adults, he asked viewers to try turning their thermostat down by just one degree.
"If you're at 21, try reducing to 20. That could save you around 10% on your heating bill," he revealed. He clarified that this isn't a precise scientific figure but is based on the logic that your heating system works to raise the temperature from a base level, say 15 degrees, to your target. Heating to 20 instead of 21 represents a substantial portion of that work.
Finally, Lewis cautioned against a common "panic reaction" to the cold. "Who, when it gets cold, turns the thermostat up in the house? Your thermostat dictates what the temperature is. Don't turn it up, just wait for it to get to the heat, and then you won't need to pay too much more."
