Thermal-insulating blinds are a timely investment as home heating costs rise. Many households want to reduce their electricity bills and are now looking for solutions to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Windows are a significant source of heat loss. Although various types of insulating glass units and double-glazed windows improve insulation considerably, the cold still seeps through the window panes during winter frosts.
Blinds may not be the first thing that springs to mind when considering how to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Choosing energy-efficient blinds can improve a window’s thermal insulation by up to a third. The key is to select blinds with the most important heat-regulating properties.
The effectiveness of heat-insulating blinds lies in the fabric
The first feature affecting a curtain’s energy efficiency is the structure of the fabric. Double-layered honeycomb fabric is a highly effective insulator, as it creates insulating air pockets between the layers. In winter, the curtain helps to keep heat inside and insulates against the cold trying to seep in from outside. In this way, the blind helps to reduce the amount of energy used for heating.
The honeycomb fabric structure is found exclusively in pleated blinds. Pleated blinds are available in models that are fitted directly to the window surface. Ideally, the blind is also made entirely to the exact measurements of the window, ensuring it fits tightly in place.
Another important feature is the colour of the fabric as seen from the outside. In summer, the sun’s heat radiating through the window pane can make a room feel uncomfortably hot. Sleeping, working or simply spending time in a room that is too hot can be difficult. When viewed from the outside, white fabric reflects up to 90 per cent of the sun’s heat back out. This means that the room temperature stays cooler despite the hot weather.
Pleated blinds keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round
There are several colour options for pleated blinds, but each one appears white when viewed from the outside. The fabric reflects the sun’s heat back out when the blind is kept lowered during hot weather.
The benefits of pleated blinds extend beyond their ability to regulate the room temperature. They are a modern and stylish choice for any home. Furthermore, they improve the room’s acoustics and prevent echoes when the pleated blind is fitted directly to the window pane. This is a particularly welcome feature in homes with high ceilings.
