Did you know that up to 30% of a home’s energy loss occurs through windows? Without proper coverings, warm air escapes during winter and can result in higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. As people look for different ways to keep warm in winter without the additional price tag, thermal blinds offer one such solution, but do they really work?
So, do thermal blinds really work? In this blog we take a thorough look at thermal blinds and show how they could not only help to keep rooms warm, but possibly also save you money in the long-run.
Why Do We Need Thermal Blinds?
Many older homes in the UK don’t have energy efficient windows. Single glazed, sash and first-generation double-glazed windows are not effective at stopping heat from escaping. Whilst modern double or triple-glazed windows are more effective, they can still let heat escape from rooms in winter and trap it in summer, reducing comfort levels regardless of the season. That’s why people often choose an additional barrier between their windows and their rooms to stop that unwanted transfer of heat.
Thermal blinds are visually the same as other window coverings but are designed to keep rooms at a constant temperature. Just like regular blinds, they come in a variety of colours and styles and can be opened and closed as required and even motorised.
How Do Thermal Blinds Work
The insulating material in thermal blinds traps air; creating a thermal barrier that reduces the effect that outside temperatures have inside a home. This means that in winter when it’s cold and you’ve got the heating on, the barrier will stop the warm air in your room hitting the cold glass of your window. In summer, the barrier reflects heat from outside back at the window, keeping the room cool.
Common Features Of Thermal Blinds
Insulating Fabric: Thermal blinds are lined with multiple layers of insulating materials, such as PVC, cotton or polyester.
Honeycomb Cells: Most modern thermal blinds, like those available from Blind Screen™, feature a column of aluminium-lined air pockets (honeycomb cells) that trap air, thereby stopping heat from escaping.
Coatings: The outer fabric of some thermal blinds can be finished with a shiny coating that reflects radiation from the sun, keeping rooms cool on hot days.
Edge-To-Edge Fitting: Thermal blinds should be installed so that they fit tightly and snugly over a window. Keeping gaps to a minimum will restrict airflow and boost the level of insulation that the blinds provide.
Evidence That Thermal Blinds Are Energy Efficient
Here are the findings of two research projects that looked into the effectiveness of thermal blinds:
Energy House Labs, University of Salford: The team carried out research on behalf of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), testing out several types of blinds against a double-glazed window. They found that thermal blinds can reduce heat loss through such windows by up to 33%.
Department of Energy USA Report: This study found that cellular blinds can reduce the amount of heat escaping through windows by up to 40%. These blinds can also reduce the temperature of a room in summer.
Although you most likely won’t notice a massive reduction in your energy bill after installing thermal blinds, the heat that you’ll retain thanks to the blinds will reduce your energy expenditure over time, perhaps eventually by as much as 10% to 15% in winter. You’re also less likely to need to use fans or air conditioning to stay cool in summer, thereby making further energy savings.
Types Of Thermal Blinds
Blind Screen™: A dual-function system offering both full blackout and insect-blocking mesh, ideal for large windows and doors where light, airflow and thermal control are required.
Roman Blinds: Made with upholstery fabric, bonded with a bump interlining and finished with a black outlining produces an extremely effective barrier against cold and heat.
Pleated Blinds: Lightweight and discreet, these blinds fold in layers towards the top and are ideal for roof windows, skylights and conservatories.
Roller Blinds: Roller blinds form a tube shape when closed and are easily opened by pulling a drawstring. These blinds are most effective from a thermal perspective when fitted to the outside of the window recess, as there will be fewer gaps through which heat can escape.
Perfect Fit Blinds: Ideal for all types of window sizes, especially those with unusual dimensions.
What Types Of Blinds Don’t Work So Well Thermally?
Wooden, Venetian and vertical blinds are not the best choice for thermal insulation as the gaps or louvres in their design leaves space for heat to transfer; much depends on the tightness of the fit and the nature of the material used for the blinds. However, you could also choose Thermal Wood or Faux Wood blinds made from thick materials that provide a good thermal barrier between the window and room.
Thermal Blind Usage Tips
Trust AKOB To Supply And Install Your Thermal Blinds
If your home or workplace is draughty in winter or too hot in summer, thermal blinds could be the solution; especially if you’re looking to reduce your energy bills. Explore our range of thermal blinds and curtains today or contact us to book a free home survey and one of our team will be happy to help.
