Cold Weather Comforts: Cutting Your Heating Costs

5 Most Energy-Efficient Interior Window Coverings To Winter-Proof Your Home

When winter creeps in and the mercury drops, keeping your home cosy becomes a top priority for UK homeowners. It's not just about staying warm, but also about keeping heating costs in check. Luckily, with the right window coverings, you can do both – achieving maximum comfort without maxing out your energy bills.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the art of energy-efficient window coverings and introduce you to 5 top contenders for keeping your home toasty and your wallet happy.

Why use Energy-efficient Window Coverings?

With energy prices rising and people becoming more conscious about minimising their environmental footprint, the idea of using energy-efficient window coverings has been gaining popularity in recent times. While we are becoming more aware of the enormous financial benefits of energy-efficient appliances, few realise that window coverings can also make a significant difference.

Experts have crunched the numbers, and between 18% and 30% of the energy in your home is making a sneaky exit through your windows making energy-efficient window attachments important for both new and existing homes.

Pioneering research conducted at the University of Salford's Energy House laboratory, commissioned and funded by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), has brought some remarkable findings to light. And it's excellent news for energy-conscious homeowners in the UK.

This independent research proved that blinds and shutters are not just stylish home accessories; they're also formidable allies in the battle to save energy and keep your home toasty during those chilly winter months. According to the study, blinds and shutters have the potential to reduce heat loss through your windows by a remarkable 33%.

Depending on the type of covering, the season, the climate, and how the product is used, energy-efficient window coverings are designed to insulate your home, retain warmth in the winter, and keep your house cool in the summer. This helps reduce your overall energy consumption and lower energy bills - saving you money on utilities while also reducing your carbon footprint.

Which Window Coverings Are Best For Energy Efficiency?

There are a variety of energy-efficient window coverings available on the market, but not all are created equal. Some stand out for their ability to cut heating costs in winter, while others excel in keeping homes cool during the summer months.

With a range of designs, materials, and styles to choose from, you can enhance your interior decor while simultaneously elevating your home's energy efficiency.

Here are 5 types of interior window dressings that have proven to be the best at saving energy and reducing your home's heating costs this winter.

1. Roller Blinds and Roman Blinds

A classic choice: Roller Blinds and Roman Blinds are versatile window coverings that offer both style and substance. The secret to their energy-efficient magic lies in both their snug fit and the energy-saving technology available on certain fabrics.

Roller blinds are made from a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down, while Roman blinds have several folds that stack on top of each other. Both these designs fit snuggly into your window recess creating a barrier against cold air and drafts.

The best part? The variety of fabrics available, including heat-retaining ones, allows you to customise them to your heart's content, so you can match your sense of style to your home's energy requirements. Plus, the option for blackout materials ensures that you can not only trap warmth inside but also enhance your privacy. 

2. Curtains

Curtains have been gracing homes for centuries with their elegance and charm. But did you know that they also offer energy efficiency pros? High-quality curtains, especially those with insulating lining, serve as a formidable defence against cold weather.

The secret to their success lies in the layering effect. When closed, curtains create a pocket of still air between the fabric and the window. This trapped air acts as insulation, preventing heat from escaping and cold air from seeping in. The thicker the curtains, the better they are at retaining heat. They're not just elegant – they're also a practical way to keep your home warm.

3. Interior Plantation Shutters

If you're looking to blend sophistication with energy efficiency, interior Plantation Shutters are the way to go. These timeless window coverings allow you to regulate light and privacy while also providing excellent insulation.

Their adjustable slats allow you to fine-tune the amount of sunlight and air that enters your home. When closed, they form a solid barrier against the elements, helping you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. With plantation shutters, you can keep the chill out and bask in the beauty of these stylish, easy-to-clean window coverings.

4. Insulated Cellular Blinds and Perfect Fit

When it comes to innovation in the world of window coverings, insulated Cellular Blinds and Perfect Fit systems take the crown. Cellular blinds are designed with a unique honeycomb structure that traps air, acting as a natural insulator. The result? Enhanced thermal efficiency.

Perfect Fit blinds, on the other hand, eliminate the need for screws and drills, seamlessly fitting to your uPVC windows. The snug fit and the cellular blind's insulating prowess combine to create an exceptional barrier against the cold. These modern marvels not only save you money on heating bills but also elevate your home's aesthetics.

If you're tired of retreating from your conservatory in the Summer because it's turned into a greenhouse or locking it up in the winter because it's transformed into a walk-in freezer - Insulated Cellular Blinds and Perfect Fit is the best solution for getting the most out your conservatory or orangery extension all year round.

5. Window Film Products

For those who prefer a more discreet approach to energy efficiency, Window Film products could be your unseen hero - simultaneously reducing heat loss through your windows, and keeping your space warm and comfortable. These transparent films are applied directly to the glass and are virtually invisible. What's remarkable is that, despite their unassuming appearance, they pack a significant punch when it comes to insulation.

Window film products come in a wide range of options from solar films that prevent heat and glare and can block harmful UV rays while allowing in natural light to frosted films for added security and privacy.

Whether you need to reduce heat and glare, prevent fading, increase safety and security or add privacy, there's a window film to suit your requirements making this invisible layer a clear choice when investing in both comfort and savings.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Energy-efficient window coverings are a smart investment for any homeowner. With their many benefits, it's easy to see why more and more homeowners are choosing to invest in energy-efficient blinds and curtains.

• Reduced Heating Costs
  By creating a thermal barrier at your windows, these coverings help you maintain a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. This reduces the need to crank up the heating, translating into lower energy bills.
  
  
• Year-Round Benefits
  While we're focusing on winter savings, it's worth noting that these window coverings also provide insulation in the summer. They keep excess heat out, helping you maintain a comfortable atmosphere without overusing your air conditioner or fans.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly
  Energy-efficient window coverings are not only good for your wallet but also the environment. When you use less energy to heat and cool your home, you reduce your carbon footprint.
  
  
• Long-Term Investment
  Quality coverings like these are built to last. While they may require a bit more upfront investment, their durability means you won't have to replace them as frequently, further enhancing your savings.
  
  
• Improved Comfort
  Picture a home that's consistently comfortable, with no cold spots or draughts. These window coverings contribute significantly to creating a cosier living space.
  
  
• Enhanced Aesthetics
  

  It's not all about savings; it's also about style. These coverings come in a variety of designs and materials to match your decor while offering energy efficiency.

 

Your Energy-Efficient Dream Home

In the grand scheme of homeownership, energy-efficient window coverings might seem like a small detail. However, it is one with a significant impact. They can cut your heating costs, reduce your environmental footprint, and enhance the comfort and style of your home.

As the winter chill settles in, take the time to consider which of these 5 energy-efficient window coverings is right for your space. Whether you choose Roller Blinds and Roman Blinds for their sleek practicality, Curtains for their timeless elegance, interior Plantation Shutters for a touch of luxury, insulated Cellular Blinds and Perfect Fit for their innovative excellence, or Window Film products for their invisible energy-saving barrier, you're making an investment that pays off in more ways than one.

For more information about the benefits of having energy-efficient blinds and curtains, or expert advice regarding the window covering option for you, call us today on 02380 510 333 to speak with the team at Solent Blinds and Curtains to arrange a no-obligation home consultation.