How to stay cosy this Autumn?

Wondering how to stay cosy this Autumn? Saving energy, keeping your home warm and reducing heat loss through windows during the winter months has never been more important.

The Latest Research

Figures published by GOV.UK suggest that in an average UK home, 18% of heat loss is through the windows, and this figure could be even higher for homes with bi-fold doors, skylights and lantern roofs. The glazing industry suggests that this figure could be as high as 30% or even 50% where a home has single glazing, such as period homes.

And did you know that high-quality blinds and shutters can reduce the heat lost through windows during winter by up to 33%? This is according to figures from the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory, which conducted extensive tests to measure the heat lost through a typical modern double-glazed window.

In particular, the laboratory assessed the impact of different types of blinds and shutters. The figures for the reductions in energy lost through windows are impressive:

  • Roller blinds fitted with side channels: 22- 23%
  • Blackout honeycomb blinds in a framed bead fit system: 32%
  • Plantation shutters: 28%
  • Roller blinds (standard): 13%

Reviewing these figures, the British Blind and Shutter
Association…

…emphasised that the thermal insulating effects can be maximised by opening your window coverings during the day (using the sun to warm your home) and closing them at night.

 

Popular energy-saving solutions

As the largest network of window blinds retailers in the UK, we can offer our customers the widest choice of window covering solutions, which range from innovative blinds with specific heat retention properties to thermally dynamic wooden shutters and thick fabrics and thermal linings for curtains. Specifically, these solutions include:

  • Duette® blinds – can reduce heat loss by up to 46% on double-glazed windows, and there are more than 350 fabrics to choose from.
  • Shutters – the thermal dynamic properties can reduce heat loss by nearly 30% – and we can install them in as little as five weeks.
  • Curtains – with a full thermal blackout lining, they can ensure near total heat retention in a room – ask us about all the fabulous new fabrics we have just launched in our premium range.
  • Roman blinds – available with linings including blackout, insulated and thermal.
  • BlocOut™ Roller blinds – not only block out light but also stop draughts and therefore help to reduce heat loss through the window.

Top tips for keeping warm and saving money this winter

  1. Reduce the heat lost by using window coverings that trap warmth between their layers, providing effective insulation at a fraction of the cost of major home energy-saving improvements.
  2. Open your window coverings early in the morning to benefit from the free solar energy, then close them when the sun goes down to maximise the heat retention effect.
  3. Automated home control systems can be used to programme all connected Motorised blinds so that they open and close at the optimum times to retain as much heat as possible.
  4. Ensure your window coverings are installed by experienced professionals like your local Apollo Blinds to minimise any gaps in the window space, which could let out heat and let in draughts.
  5. Follow the maintenance advice provided at your installation appointment to keep your window coverings in tip-top condition, maximising their functionality.

Why choose our energy-saving window coverings?

  • Made to measure
  • Robust guarantees
  • FREE home appointment
  • Excellent installation and aftercare services
  • Proven energy-saving properties
  • Automation available via home control systems

How we can help you?

We are your local experts in blinds, shutters and curtains.
Now more than ever, we can offer advice and information to help homeowners make informed decisions about the best solutions to help reduce heat loss through their windows and doors.