As the UK is now consistently seeing the hottest temperatures on record, this poses an increasing issue for UK residents with the risk of overheating. With temperatures soaring in recent summer seasons, UK households are being further affected by high room temperatures. High levels of heat present more impact on the body as it works harder to keep your body temperature regulated.
British buildings have historically been designed for the typically damp, wet and cold climate. This means that our homes are built to retain heat and minimise heat loss for the winter months. According to research from Loughborough University, a staggering 4.6 million homes overheated beyond a healthy temperature in 2021.
Blinds and shutters can play a significant role in controlling the temperature of your home by influencing heat gain and loss, light control, and insulation. The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) have recently commissioned independent research and proved that blinds and shutters can help save energy. They act as a passive cooling method which means that they help to reduce heat without requiring energy consumption. The University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory carried out the research and found that blinds and shutters can decrease heat loss through windows by up to 33%.
Here’s how blinds and shutters help temperature control and which types are most effective:
Reducing Heat Gain in Summer
Keeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be a challenge, but the right blinds and shutters can make a significant difference. Blinds and shutters are effective at blocking direct sunlight, preventing the interior of a house from heating up. Certain materials and colours can also reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, thus reducing heat in a property.
Many blinds and shutters have adjustable slats that allow you to manage light and ventilation in a room. This provides flexibility in controlling room temperature.
Prevention of Heat Loss
As well as the benefits of reducing heat gain, blinds and shutters are also very effective at minimising heat loss in winter too. They create an extra layer of insulation, trapping a pocket of air between the window and the internal room of the home. Blinds and shutters are practical for reducing drafts, preventing cold air from entering the room and warm air escaping.
Types of Blinds and Shutters Effective for Temperature Control
1. Honeycomb (Cellular) shades are designed with a honeycomb structure that traps air, providing excellent insulation. They are particularly effective at reducing heat transfer through windows, helping to keep rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
2. Plantation Shutters are typically made of wood or faux wood, which provides good insulation. Starlight Blinds custom-fits shutters to windows, reducing drafts and improving thermal efficiency.
3. Roller Blinds are great for enhancing the temperature control of your room. Starlight Blinds offer the option of energy efficient materials designed to block out UV rays and reduce heat whilst still allowing for optimal light control.
Tips for Maximising Temperature Control
- Proper Installation
Ensure that blinds and shutters are properly fitted to minimise gaps where heat can escape or enter. Starlight Blinds offer a full supply and fit service for custom, made-to-measure blinds and shutters so you can be confident of accurate fitting.
- Dual Purpose
Consider using a combination of blinds and curtains to maximise insulation. Starlight Blinds also offer made-to-measure curtains with a wide range of fabric options.
- Automation
Electrically operated or motorised blinds can be selected with automation features. This allows you to programme the blinds to open and close at certain times of the day, allowing optimised temperature control based on levels of sunlight.
You can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of your home by choosing suitable blinds or shutters and using them effectively. This will enable you to control the temperature of your home year-round. The BBSA recommends that customers “Feel well and sleep well this summer by controlling the heat and light in your indoor environments using dynamic shading.”
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