In the UK, blinds and shutters are often viewed as an optional window dressing rather than a useful tool to help save energy and play an important role in our wellbeing.
Dr Zoe De Grussa, technical and sustainability consultant at the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), explains how to think differently about blinds and shutters.
The energy saving and comfort enhancing qualities of shading products are still not fully appreciated despite the fact more and more of us are inspired by light-filled homes with bifold doors and large windows.
Did you know, blinds, shutters and awnings can help you and your home cope with changing weather conditions throughout the year, and save you money at the same time?
They are a proven technology that is under-utilised even though shading has actually been used for centuries!
Blinds, shutters and awnings can help improve energy efficiency and daylight management as well as optimise low-energy designs of new properties, by maximising heat gains in the winter and minimising them in the summer. They also help control light levels and privacy, providing general increased comfort to occupants.
What’s more, they are low maintenance and have a long life, so investing well in shading will help your bank balance in the long run, not to mention the environment too.
Considering we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, ensuring our indoor environments are as comfortable as possible is important.
Here’s five things to consider when designing or creating new areas of your home.
1. With rising energy costs, shading systems can help maintain the energy balance of your home – less reliance on heating in the winter and air cooling in the summer.
2. Window blinds and shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 33% according to research commissioned by the BBSA.
3. In the winter when it’s sunny, open your blinds to benefit from free energy from the sun and close them when the sun goes down to provide extra insulation and reduce heat loss.
4. In the summer, the sun’s rays enter through glazing and become trapped in the home. External shading, such as awnings, prevent heat from the sun from passing through the glazing and closed internal blinds reflect heat back through the glazing.
5. Blinds and shutters can be used to regulate light levels, minimising glare. Dark fabric colours are better at reducing glare but unless they have a solar reflective coating they can cause internal temperatures to rise in summer months.
To find out more about the benefits of shading products for your home visit www.bbsa.org.uk and read about the Blinds Make Better campaign.
