Blinds proven to reduce heat loss by a third

New independent research by the University of Salford’s Energy House laboratory has demonstrated that blinds and shutters can help save energy and keep homes warmer in winter.

Commissioned and funded by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) as part of a research and collaboration partnership, the data shows that blinds and shutters can have a significant, positive impact on energy savings, reducing heat loss through windows by up to 33 per cent.

Five types of shading products were tested in the laboratory that is home to a full-scale early 20th century terraced house in an environmental chamber which replicates rain, wind and temperatures from -12℃ to 30℃ in controlled conditions.

All products were tested on an energy efficient double-glazed window and produced the following results:

• Roller blind fitted with zip side channels with low-e fabric: 33 per cent
• Blockout honeycomb blind in a framed bead fit system: 32 per cent
• Internal plantation shutter: 28 per cent
• Roller blinds with fitted side channels: 22 per cent
• Standard roller blind: 13 per cent

The purpose of the testing was to measure, under controlled conditions, the impact blinds and shutters have on the heat loss through a window’s glazing.

The data is now being used to support the BBSA’s campaign Blinds Make Better to demonstrate how shading helps keep indoor spaces warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer as well as providing other benefits including privacy and wellbeing.

Andrew Chalk, Director of Operations at the BBSA which, is a national trade association, said: “Rising energy costs have made energy efficiency a top priority for households across the country and we wanted to provide consumers with some solid, statistically sound information about how blinds and shutters can help reduce heat loss through windows.

“The world-renowned University of Salford (UoS) Energy House laboratory is exceptional and we were delighted to commission and fund this vital piece of research.

“One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much blinds and shutters can help save money and energy?’ and this data can now be used as a universal reference point.”

David Farmer, Energy House Research Fellow at the University of Salford, said: “The work that the BBSA have undertaken at the University of Salford Energy House test facility will inform the design of energy efficient window coverings and assist energy conscious consumers.

“We wholeheartedly endorse the BBSA campaign to inform the public about the thermal benefits of window coverings and the impact that this relatively simple and low-cost measure can have in helping to reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions.”

Andrew Chalk added: “People need to think of blinds and shutters as a way of regulating temperature, a bit like a thermostat for your windows.

“In the winter, during the day when it is sunny, open blinds to benefit from the free solar energy from the sun and close them in the evening to provide extra insulation and reduce heat loss to save energy and money.”

For more information visit: https://bbsa.org.uk/blinds-make-better/