A Guide to Window Insulation to Help Save Energy | AD

This post on window insulation is paid-for content in association with the Mzuri Group.

With energy bills rocketing skywards, it’s never been a better time to look at making your home more energy-efficient. While there are many ways to save energy in the home, one impactful way to save on your heating bills is to turn your attention to your windows. This is because windows are a major source of heat loss in our homes, with some sources estimating that we lose anywhere between 10 to 40% of the heat in our homes

The good news is that you don’t have to replace your windows to improve the insulation in your home. Both blinds and shutters can work as effective window insulation methods. This is particularly important for heating the home during the colder months in order to save on our energy usage. 

How Do Shutters Provide Window Insulation?

When you think of shutters, you might think of their use for security or privacy. You might not think that shutters could help save you energy, and make your home feel warmer by improving the insulation of your windows.

However, Historic England did some research into the thermal performance of windows. Within the study, they looked at how much heat was lost through the glass and the frame of a window. They also tested some simple insulation methods to see how effective they were at preventing heat loss. What was particularly interesting was that they found that shutters, and other thermal window coverings, could provide the same heat savings in single-glazed properties as installing double-glazing.

The caveat is that the shutters must be well-fitted. If your shutters don’t fit properly, then that can leave room for warm air to escape or for draughts to sweep in. For maximum heat retention, opt for full-height solid panel shutters that are not louvred or slatted.

For particularly draughty homes, Historic England also found that adding draught-proofing measures to your windows, or installing secondary glazing, as well as shutters could make a massive difference to the warmth of your home.

If you are interested in installing shutters in your home, then do check out the range at Shutterly Fabulous. Their team will measure, advise and install your custom shutters for a perfect fit that helps keep your home cosy.

Shutterly Fabulous’s solid shutters are constructed from hardwood. Specifically, Paulownia wood. This is a strong yet lightweight material that adds a thick layer of insulation to your windows. And for an additional benefit, this helps reduce noise and helps blackout light whilst you are sleeping.

What About Thermal Blinds?

If shutters aren’t your thing, and you are just looking for blinds that offer window insulation, then a good eco-friendly choice would be Swift Direct Blinds.

They offer a range of thermal energy-saving blinds that are made from specially treated thermal fabric. This helps to prevent heat from escaping from your home during winter, helping to keep your home warmer. What’s more, in the summer they reflect solar heat, keeping your living space cooler. This means thermal blinds are a great all-year-round option.

The other good news is that you don’t have to compromise on your decor. Their range of thermal energy-saving blinds comes in a wide range of colours and blind styles. This means you can find a blind that compliments your interior decor style.

Are There Other Eco-Friendly Blinds Options?

Swift Direct Blinds manufactures blinds from recycled materials. All the blinds in their eco-friendly range are manufactured from fabric that is made from at least 80% recycled PET plastic waste.  This means that for every square metre of fabric, around 9 PET bottles are used.

Meanwhile, their range of Arona Light Filtering blinds is constructed from an upcycled fabric that is woven with yarns made from recycled plastic waste.  These are all made to measure in the UK and come with a five-year guarantee as standard.

Whilst standard blinds do not offer as much window insulation as properly fitted shutters or thermal blinds, how you use your blinds can make a difference to your energy bills. Closing your blinds at dusk in winter helps to minimise the heat lost through your windows. However, don’t be tempted to keep them closed all day. Opening them again in the morning helps to maximise passive solar energy, making your home warmer.

Meanwhile, in summer, the opposite is true. Keeping your blinds closed when the sun is shining in your window, and opening them again in the evening can help keep your house feeling cooler.

So there you have it – how you can keep your warm cosy in winter and cool in the summer, without having to upgrade your windows.