Energy Efficient Shutters
In our current economy and climate, everyone wants to know how they can make their homes more energy efficient and cut back on those rising energy bills. But did you know something as simple as the blinds on your windows can make a world of difference? In fact, heat loss and gain are responsible for nearly 30% of the heating and cooling energy we use in our homes,
As well as adding an element of sophistication to your decor, blinds and shutters also have some impressive benefits when it comes to reducing energy costs. They help regulate the temperature inside the home, so you don’t have to rely on radiators and fans during unpredictable British weather.
Keep your cool in the summer
When the weather gets too hot, the first instinct of many of us is to turn on the fan. In the hottest days of the year, we can have fans running all day and all night, driving up our energy bills. Instead, simply closing your blinds or shutters and blocking out the sun’s rays can prevent excessive heat from building up inside your home.
A surprising amount of heat can be brought into your house purely from the light itself, especially with south-facing windows that receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day. Blocking this light out has a noticeable effect on the room temperature. According to Shade It, heat gain (or solar energy transmittance) can be reduced from 0.85 all the way down to 0.15 just by adding a shutter or blind. So, by closing your blinds during the hottest parts of the day, you can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home and keep it cooler naturally.
Keep the cold out in the winter
During the winter months, blinds can also help conserve energy by preventing heat loss through windows. When it’s cold outside, warm air inside your home will naturally try to escape through your windows, making your heating work harder to keep your home warm. However, by keeping your blinds closed, you can create an extra layer of insulation that traps the warm air inside of your home and prevents it from escaping. This reduces the workload on your heating system and saves you money on your energy bill.
Another way that shutters and blinds help with energy efficiency is by providing insulation. Since shutters fit snugly against the window frame, they form a barrier between the outdoor elements and the indoor space, preventing air leakage that would otherwise cause energy loss.Traditional curtains, on the other hand, do not provide as much insulation or protection. Installing shutters can improve the overall insulation of the home, and help to regulate the temperature.
Finding the right shutters
Many energy saving solutions require unsightly additions or unpleasant modifications to your home. Shutters, on the other hand, are incredibly customisable and versatile. At Impact Interiors, you can browse a wide range of different styles, colours and fittings to find the right type of shutter for your home.
Get in touch today to find out how you can save on energy bills in a convenient, aesthetically pleasing way through blind and shutter fittings.
