Most Energy Efficient Window Coverings

When choosing your home shading option, it’s worth thinking about energy efficiency. There have been significant improvements in glazing technology over the past few years, but houses still lose a lot of heat through their windows. The majority of homes in the UK are now fitted with double glazing and the problem isn’t as bad as it once was, but reducing our heating costs is still vitally important. 

Here at Appeal Home Shading, we pride ourselves on making thermally-efficient window blinds. Research by the University of Salford’s Energy House Labs has confirmed that blinds can reduce heat loss, but which are the best ones? If you don’t have time to look through academic reports and examine data, here’s our brief guide to the most energy-efficient window shading.

Honeycomb Blinds

Our ever-popular honeycomb blinds are specifically designed to save energy. Their unique hexagonal structure is full of miniature air pockets that help to trap heat. In tests conducted on a single-glazed window, they reduced heat loss by 46% and prevented heat gain by a massive 78%! 

In other words, they make it easier to keep your house warm in the winter and cool during the summer. You won’t need to use your central heating or air conditioning as much, and this will make a big dent in your energy bills. It also means your carbon footprint will drop, so they’re an environmentally friendly choice too. 

Solar-R® Blinds

Another excellent choice is our Solar-R® blinds. Because of the name, they’re sometimes mistaken for solar-powered blinds, however a more accurate description would be solar-reflecting blinds. This variant is ideal for conservatories, orangeries or any kind of extension with a large glazing area. They’re fitted with an aluminium backing which will reflect the harsh rays of the summer sun, making it far easier to manage household temperatures. 

If you’ve ever walked into your conservatory in mid-august and felt like you’ve stepped into a sauna, Solar-R® blinds will be the answer. They’re not just useful in the summer though, these metal-backed blinds have naturally insulating qualities that’ll keep you warm even in the most biting January.

Blackout Blinds

Our third recommendation would be blackout blinds. This one might be a bit of a surprise, they’re designed to block out light sources and help you get a good night’s sleep, not save on your heating bills. However, because they fit snugly on the window, this has a knock-on effect of improving energy efficiency. There’s less space for the heat to escape so you won’t just get a decent rest, you’ll remain cosy too. 

If you’re interested in any of the blinds listed above or would like to find out more about the thermal efficiency of our other blinds, you are welcome to contact us. You can download a free brochure to learn more or book a design consultation if you have a project in mind.