Eco-gestures : this morning gesture avoids a loss
Hello, it’s Claude.
The morning gesture: open the curtains and the shutters of sunny windows to let in light and natural warmth. Depending on orientation, weather and the home, this can limit the feeling of cold without touching the thermostat.
In winter, windows can let some of the heat escape, especially if the shutters stay closed all day. This morning gesture complements a good evening habit: closing shutters and curtains as soon as night falls. These simple eco-gestures contribute to energy savings, to the reduction of losses and to the preservation of resources.
Do it now
- Open the shutters on windows that receive sunlight.
- Keep the curtains open in these rooms during daylight hours.
- Keep closed the shutters on shaded or wind-exposed windows.
- In the evening, close shutters and curtains to better conserve heat.
- Make sure the curtains don’t cover the radiators.
To complete this routine, also discover this morning gesture to limit heat loss and the eco-gestures useful in daily life.
Why opening the shutters at the right moment helps the home
When the sun lights a window, opening the shutters can bring a bit of free warmth to the room. The result varies depending on exposure, the season and insulation: it’s not a guarantee to gain 2°C, but an easy habit to test.
Conversely, shutters closed during the day prevent light from entering. And in the evening, leaving them open can increase heat losses through the glazing. An eco-friendly home often relies on these small adjustments, with no purchases required and no complicated effort.
| Moment | Gesture | Desired effect |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny morning | Open the shutters on the sun-facing side | Benefit from light and warmth |
| Cloudy day | Adjust according to cold and exposure | Avoid unnecessarily cooling the room |
| Evening and night | Close shutters and curtains | Limit heat losses through the windows |
A neighbor, Nora, has gotten into the habit of opening the shutters in her living room at breakfast, then closing them before nightfall. She says she particularly enjoys the morning light and the more even comfort near the windows.
« The cheapest warmth is often the one we avoid losing. » This reflex fits into daily eco-friendly gestures that can also encourage responsible consumption, reduced waste, and better water savings in other rooms of the home.
A simple three-step routine
- Step 1 : Upon waking, check which windows receive direct sunlight.
- Step 2 : Open the relevant shutters and move the curtains away from the radiators.
- Step 3 : At dusk, close shutters and curtains to retain the heat.
If the sun enters the room, open the shutters to enjoy its natural warmth. If the sky is cloudy and the window is very cold, monitor comfort and close the coverings if the room cools down.
Energy savings without changing the thermostat
This habit is not a substitute for good insulation, but it can improve comfort without increasing heating. To go further, lower the heating by one degree if it remains comfortable, turn off devices in standby and run the washing machine or dishwasher on eco program, preferably when the load is full.
The benefits depend on the home and the weather. In case of a strong draft or old windows, identifying leaks and improving insulation can matter more than multiplying small gestures.
The right habits for a more energy-efficient home
The morning is also a good time to check that no faucet is leaking and to collect the cold water that runs before the shower, for example to water a plant. These are simple actions for saving water, while sorting, composting and reusing containers support reducing waste.
No need to transform everything at once. Choose an easy gesture, repeat it for a few days, then add another: this is how resource preservation becomes sustainably established at home.
Practical questions about the morning gesture
Should you open the shutters at dawn?
Yes, if the sun lights the window. In case of overcast weather or a very cold room, adapt the gesture to your home and your comfort.
Does this gesture really help avoid a 2°C loss?
There is no universal result for all homes. The effect depends notably on orientation, weather, glazing and insulation.
When should you close the shutters?
Close them in the evening, as soon as the natural light fades, to limit heat loss during the night.
What other easy eco-gestures can be adopted in the morning?
Turn off unnecessary lights, avoid letting water run while brushing your teeth, and briefly ventilate without leaving the windows open for long in winter.
Thank you for your interest; Claude
