Did you know that installing blinds in your home can have far reaching positive benefits, in addition to making your interiors look fantastic?
What many people perceive to be a decorative feature can in fact be an effective way to manage environmental factors – by keeping you cool in summer, warm in winter and saving you money on heating your home.
As energy prices rise and the climate crisis continues to worsen, the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA) has launched a ‘Blinds Make Better’ campaign to show the role blinds and shutters can play in supporting our environmental, financial and wellbeing needs.
Blinds Make Better is a national campaign to highlight how shading products can have a positive impact on buildings that people live, work and socialise in.
Here we take a look at some of the key campaign messages …
ENERGY SAVING: Blinds, shutters and awnings are a proven energy saving solution.
It’s no secret that blinds can help to retain heat in your home in winter. However new independent research by the University of Salford’s Energy House laboratory has found that they can in fact reduce heat loss through windows by up to a massive 33 per cent.
The research, which was commissioned and funded by the BBSA, tested several types of products in its laboratory which is home to a full-scale early 20th century terraced house in an environmental chamber. The chamber can replicate rain, wind and temperatures from -12℃ to 30℃ in controlled conditions.
Tested in these controlled conditions, the results are compelling – showing just how much blinds and shutters can have a significant, positive impact on energy savings.
* Results from product tests at University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory. Centre pane U-value measurements on a modern double glazed low-e window. Improvements shown above are against the same window with no covering.
In 2020 87% of English homes had full double glazing (English Housing Survey 2020-2021 – Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities).
KEEPING HOMES COOL: As summer temperatures rise, shading is a key consideration.
Whilst many homeowners have been struggling to keep their homes warm in winter months, summer can produce a whole new set of problems – especially when you consider that four out of five of the hottest summers have occurred since 2005.
In summer, blinds and shutters can provide crucial shading and prevent heat building up in a room. Keeping them closed during the day to keep heat out, and then open during the evening when the temperature is cooler will allow heat to escape with ventilation. Many homeowners are also choosing to fit external shading, such as an awning, to the outside of buildings to stop heat entering as temperatures rise. This is ideal for areas exposed to direct sunlight and when you consider that more and more homes are being built with large glazed areas. You can find out more about our awnings and canopies here
WELLBEING: Blinds can also have a positive impact on our wellbeing.
According to the BBSA, people in the UK spend 90% of their time indoors. It is therefore extremely important to ensure that indoor temperatures and light quality are correct to help maintain our wellbeing. Daylight has a positive effect on the biological rhythm of our bodies, improving our emotional and mental health. Having the right level of shading can also help to reduce glare, eye strain and headaches.
But that’s not all – shading can also help to shield interior decor such as furniture, materials, paintings, books and flooring from sun damage.
You can find out more about the BBSA campaign here.
If you think that your home could benefit from the addition of blinds, shutters or awnings, why not book a free design visit and find out how we can help you stay cool this summer and be fully prepped for a cosy winter.