What Difference Can Blinds Make to Keep My Room Cooler?
This is a question I am frequently asked, and the answer is surprising. An independent study statistically proved that internal blinds are effective at reducing internal temperatures by 8 to 13 degrees!*
Using internal shading which is closed during the daytime prevents Solar Gain from entering the building, therefore reducing internal temperatures. The results will vary depending on the type of building, window orientation and window covering chosen.
Some window coverings are better than others for doing this job.
Here are my top 5
5 Venetian Blinds.
When tilted, Venetian Blinds offer shading, and also can be completely closed to keep out more of the Sun’s energy and therefore more heat!
Venetians have the added advantage of offering privacy and light into rooms, especially important when you are overlooked.
4 Wooden Shutters
Wood is a natural insulator, so it stands to reason that Shutters made from wood would be good at this too. Much like the Venetian blinds, tilting the louvres allows shading, without losing all the light. However at times of high external heat, it is advisable to fully close your shutters during the day to prevent excess Solar Gain.
3 Curtains with a Thermal Lining
Curtains with a Thermal Lining always make me think of cosy, got to keep the heat in days. However it stands to reason that, if the curtains keep the heat in in Winter, then they can help keep it out in Summer. The only downside is you have to keep them closed during the day for this to be effective!
2 Roller Blinds
Roller Blinds, especially those made using a Blackout Fabric shade the room really well and help to reduce heat from Solar Gain. If you do not like the idea of using a light blocking fabric, then some roller fabrics have a Solar Reflective coating (SRC) applied to the window facing side of the fabric. This coating reflects away more of the sun’s energy helping to keep the room cooler.
1 Pleated Blinds
Pleated Blinds are most commonly seen in Conservatories. The pleated texture holds an air gap between the glass and the room, helping to keep the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Pleated Blinds are increasingly popular in hot countries, showing that they are effective.
Although all these window coverings will make a difference to the temperature in your home, it is important to realise that, no matter how good they are, if its hot outside they won’t make your home the temperature of Sainsburys meat and veg isles! What they will do is keep the rooms cooler than they otherwise would be, and that means more bearable!
Finally, there are a number of top tips to keep cooler during a heat wave on the Government Website, alternatively, if you would like further information then please contact us to book an appointment.
*The study was conducted by PhD researcher Zoe De Grussa from London South Bank University and backed by the BBSA (British Blinds and Shutters Association)