Insulating windows: why blinds are so effective

Insulating your windows to save energy in summer as well as winter? A popular and effective way to do so is with solar blinds. Find out why blinds work well as window insulation and what you can gain by investing in them in this blog.

Surely, when the first rays of sunshine pop out in spring or when you are enjoying the mild autumn temperatures, there are no issues. But if the temperatures rise well above 20 degrees or the first frost occurs, the situation may change.

In summer, your home feels like a sauna, causing your air conditioner or fan to work overtime. And in winter, your heating has to work hard to prevent you from shivering all day. Unfortunately, this also becomes painfully apparent when the energy bill arrives. Especially if you have single-glazed windows.

So we fully understand why you are looking for ways to insulate your windows. And solar blinds happen to be an effective and popular way to do this. In case you need more convincing, we give you 5 reasons why.

1. Sun is already blocked before it reaches the window

You can choose for solar blinds or awnings that are mounted on the outside of your window, literally keeping the sun on the other side of the glass. This keeps indoor temperatures comfortably low in summer, as the sun is not able to reach the glass surface and penetrate its way into your home.

You might have considered window insulation like draught strips or insulation film, but these are not as effective. Insulating foil is installed on the inside of your window, and draught strips are put between the cracks. As a result, your window still heats up, causing the indoor temperature to rise relatively quickly.

2. Blinds for more privacy

Blinds are a great way to keep temperatures comfortable inside your home. Not only do they prevent the sun from coming in, but they also stop curious glances from passers-by. Basically, you kill several birds with one stone. Other types of window insulation, such as window film or draught strips, do not have this extra benefit.

3. Blinds are relatively cheap window insulation

If you want to insulate your windows from cold or heat while ensuring your privacy, blinds are a relatively inexpensive option. It is also possible to have an extra layer of glass fitted in your window or have an extra window installed, so-called secondary glazing. But even though this solution might be cheaper than double glazing, it is still rather costly.

4. You always save optimally, in all weather conditions

Insulating windows against heat in summer? Or keeping every warm ray of sun inside in winter? As blinds open and close so easily and can continuously adapt to the current weather conditions, you reap the benefits all year round. With this form of window insulation, you benefit from lower energy bills in every season.

This advantage is further enhanced if you have electric blinds with climate sensors. Climate sensors detect the amount of sunlight and/or fluctuations in temperature, after which your blinds open or close automatically, even when you are not at home!

5. Blinds protect your furniture from fading

A nice added benefit of sun protection is that it also protects your furniture. Too much UV radiation in the house can cause fabric or other materials to discolour. Lower your blinds on sunny days to prevent discolouration.  

Insulating windows against cold or heat: maximum savings?

It should be obvious: the fact that many people choose to insulate their windows with blinds is not without reason. And the good news is that you too can start enjoying those benefits super soon! Visit a Somfy dealer near you today to find out precisely which electric blinds are optimal for your needs and requirements.