Tag: thermal blinds

What are the Best Blinds for Warmth? Discover Winter and Thermal Blinds

What are the Best Blinds for Warmth? Discover Winter and Thermal Blinds

As the cold months draw in (which they certainly are!), you’re probably already thinking of ways you can make your home warmer… without having the heating on 24/7 that is.

There are of course the usual ways of getting warmer. Putting a jumper on. Thicker socks. Warmer blankets. Winter Duvets. But have you thought about improving the place where much of the cold air is coming from? Your windows!

Let us introduce you to window insulation using thermal blinds and our top tips for energy efficiency…

What are Thermal Blinds?

We define thermal blinds as blinds that are designed to conserve energy in both winter and summer. Either helping to trap heat in your room or reflecting the sunlight off the windows. So, investing in new blinds for winter will benefit you in the summer months too! Thank us later!

Some blinds are naturally ‘thermal’ by design, some have a specific thermal lining, and some have a thermal treatment applied to the reverse. Either way, they all do a similar job keeping your home warm. So, to keep it simple, we’ll stick with ‘thermal blinds.’

How Do Thermal Blinds Keep the Warmth In?

By placing a layer of fabric in your window, thermal blinds will insulate your home by trapping a layer of air between the fabric and the window. The blinds act as a sealant to the window, preventing air from escaping through them.

However, the above is only true for correctly measured and installed blinds. The best practice for keeping the warmth in and the cold out is having blinds that fit properly. No matter what style of blinds you go for, thermal blinds or not, if they’re ill-fitting, they just won’t do the jobs you need them to do!

We recommend always opting for made to measure blinds. Not only will they improve the energy efficiency in your home, but they’ll also block the light better and of course, look much better too! Did you know at A1 Blinds we offer a free measuring and fitting service? We make it simple and easy for you to choose made to measure thermal blinds! You can book a home consultation on our website here.

Thermal Blinds

Blinds for Warmth and Thermal Blinds

All blinds – including regular blinds – will provide you with some degree of thermal benefit. This is because as we’ve already mentioned, placing fabric between your room and the window blocks much of the cold air from entering the room. However, we do have a range of thermal blinds designed specifically to improve heat retention in your home. These coated thermal blinds work a dream!

Our range of fabric thermal blinds have a solar protective coating applied to their reverse. The specialist coating is designed to retain heat by reducing thermal loss via windows in winter. Then, on summer days, it reduces heat build-up through reflection. Therefore helping to conserve the energy in your home, all year-round.

Not only that, but the solar protective coating will also decrease any glare coming into your room. Ideal for offices, living rooms, and any room with a screen! This fabric comes with a list of benefits for enhancing your home.

You’ll be glad to know that these fabrics are available across most of our blind styles. Choose from roller, vertical, roman, panel, and pleated thermal blinds. We have a thermal blind for every window and requirement!

Did you know that pleated blinds are naturally thermal enhancing? Pleated thermal blinds are made from architect-grade fabrics of superior quality. Their scientific-level fabric specifications make them the perfect thermal blinds choice for conservatories and caravans, or anywhere that the room is at a premium!

Stripe Roller Blinds

A1’s Top Tips

Not looking to upgrade your blinds? Take a look at our top two tips for using your blinds to keep your home warm in winter…

1) Close your blinds completely as soon as it gets dark in the evening. They’ll help to keep the warmth in your home by adding insulation to the windows. Some blinds will also reflect the heat back into the room.

2) Open your blinds completely in the daytime. You’ll benefit from the warmth of the sun’s rays when it’s out.

Are you looking to improve the warmth in your home with new blinds? Ask our team about our blinds with a solar protective coating. These thermal blinds will do just the trick for maintaining an ideal temperature, come rain or shine!

This range is limited, so don’t worry if there are no thermal blinds to your taste! Putting any fabric blind up at your window is a step in the right direction towards heat retention. Just be sure to follow our top tips for using your blinds to keep your home warm in winter.

Browse our website for inspiration today. Or to book your FREE home consultation appointment, contact us at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417.

 

 

Plain or Patterns?

Plain or Patterns?

Usually, the choice between patterned or plain window blinds comes down to personal preference and the existing decor of the room you are putting the window blind into. Whilst most people’s go-to is a plain, neutral design, it can be a good idea to consider all choices and see them for yourself before making your mind up, which is why we always recommend potential customers to come down to our showroom to see many of our blind styles in person to really get a feel for the textures, colours and aesthetics of each fabric. Our locations are below:

Blaydon: Chainbridge Industrial Estate, 4-5 Tundry Way, Blaydon-on-Tyne NE21 5SJ

Forest Hall: 20 Station Rd N, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9AD

Patterned Window Blinds:

  1. Visual Interest: Patterned blinds can add visual interest and depth to a room. They can be a focal point or complement other patterns in the decor.
  2. Style: Patterned blinds can convey a specific style or theme, such as modern, traditional, or eclectic.
  3. Concealing Imperfections: Patterns can help mask minor stains or wear over time.
  4. Privacy: Depending on the pattern, they may offer more privacy compared to plain blinds, as patterns can obscure the view from outside.

Plain Window Blinds:

  1. Simplicity: Plain blinds offer a clean and understated look that can easily blend with various interior design styles.
  2. Versatility: They are versatile and can easily coordinate with a wide range of decor and color schemes.
  3. Timelessness: Plain blinds often have a timeless appeal that doesn’t go out of fashion quickly.
  4. Minimalistic Aesthetics: If you prefer a minimalistic or uncluttered look, plain blinds might be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision between patterned and plain window blinds comes down to your personal style, the existing decor of the room, and the ambience you want to create. You could also consider combining both by having patterned blinds in some rooms and plain blinds in others, depending on the mood and function of each space.
How do Energy Saving Blinds work?

How do Energy Saving Blinds work?

Energy-saving blinds, also known as Cellular blinds, are commonly used to help insulate your home. They have increased in popularity due to the different styles that have come into the market. In recent times, the average household spends around £1,254 per year on power and heating, making it one of the most expensive costs for households in the UK. It’s been well-documented that those energy costs are only getting more expensive, thanks to political and economic events outside of our control.

With the current economic and climate crisis, experts have warned households will struggle badly to pay their heating bills as we face one of the coldest winters in recent years. The increasing energy prices will leave many families without the amount of warmth they need, so other measures to manage temperature control and heat retention must be explored.

That’s why it is important to consider energy-saving blinds during cold months, as they are a great secondary line of defence against cold air coming through your windows.

How They Work:

  • The first step is understanding how energy-saving blinds work. It starts with its hexagonal structure within its makeup. Because of the makeup of the blind, it reacts with the air to create little air pockets in the blind. When the blinds are open, it slows down the thermal transfer from your windows.
  • The air pocket created by the cell then creates a clever and effective additional insulation barrier to keep heat in and cold out.
  • When wanting to let winter sunlight inside heat your house naturally, all you must do is pull up the blinds! Make sure to close your blinds in the evening to trap all the natural heat inside.

Energy-saving blinds are not just a quick fix for the winter, as their temperature-controlling properties work well all year round. With energy prices going up for the start of October, energy-saving blinds can save you up to 16% on your energy bills. Their design means they are durable and work well when installed. Energy-saving blinds are the only blinds which provide long-term temperature control for your home.

In the winter, a percentage of warmer air inside your home will transfer outside through your windows, leaving you with a colder home, making you turn up your heating, resulting in more expensive energy bills. However, thermal blinds create an effective barrier that reduces heat transfer, ensuring your home is warmer and more comfortable.

During the summer, energy-saving blinds are effective too. Outdoor heat transfers through windows and starts to warm your house up. Living spaces without efficient blinds will overheat and become too hot. The only way to cool down your home will be through air-conditioning or multiple fans, again increasing your energy usage in your home.

When using Cellular blinds, the amount of heat coming in through the blinds is regulated better, not overheating your home. Using cellular blinds results in less dependence on fans or air-conditioning in your home, reducing your energy bills and usage during the summer.

Regardless of the season, energy-saving blinds work hard to keep a balanced temperature in your home. They are efficient and come in many different blind styles. This helps customers pick the blinds for their home, supporting unique styles. Their durability also means that once installed, they will last many years. They are a great choice for the winter and essential for homes in the UK this Christmas.

If interested in energy-saving blinds and curious about how they may benefit your home, do not hesitate to get in contact and arrange a FREE home consultation.

Also, check out our current offers on energy-saving blinds, and our amazing autumn sale.

Best Blinds for Thermal Efficiency

Best Blinds for Thermal Efficiency

‘What are the best blinds for thermal efficiency?’ That’s a question we’ve been asked a lot recently at A1 Blinds! In today’s world of rising energy costs, many of us are looking for ways to keep those bills down! And yes, blinds are certainly a great option.

There are, of course, other options you could consider. You could upgrade the UPVC doors and windows across your home… Sounds expensive! Or you could wear extra layers of clothes and buy a thicker duvet… Which sounds a little uncomfortable!

But by simply upgrading your window blinds to our thermal range, you’ll be able to reduce your home’s energy costs by up to 16%! Impressive, right?

We’ll explain more…

What are The Best Blinds for Home Energy Efficiency?

All blinds will help improve your home’s energy efficiency in one way or another. Blinds add an extra insulating layer up at your windows which helps to keep the warmth in and prevents it from escaping through the windows.

Perfect-fit blinds are great for home insulation. Fitting directly onto your window frames, these blinds leave no room for a draught to enter or heat to seep out! Plus, with no screws or drilling required, perfect-fit blinds are great for lots of other reasons too!

However, the best blinds for thermal efficiency are from our thermal range. At A1 Blinds we have a range of window blinds that have been designed specifically with home insulation in mind. These blinds have been treated with a ‘Solar Protective Coating’ (SPC) which reflects light more effectively than a regular fabric – helping to conserve energy in winter and summer!

Our thermal blinds range consists of three different styles: roller, vertical and pleated blinds. Each style comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and fabrics. Each blind design offers a unique look while still presenting all the benefits of the SPC coating.

blinds for home energy efficiency

How Blinds for Thermal Efficiency Can Save You Money

1) They control light and glare

Naturally, we all prefer daylight to other artificial light sources, but the glare that often comes with this can cause visual discomfort. However, by choosing the correct shading you’ll enjoy natural daylight whilst preventing glare. Which in turn, reduces the need to use internal lighting!

Their ability to reduce the sun’s glare makes these blinds ideal for commercial office spaces. A workforce can take in the natural daylight without having to deal with the dreaded glare in their eyes.

2) They reduce heat loss

Glazing is a weak point in a building’s thermal performance and is often a major source of heat loss. Your ‘go-to’ fix might be to upgrade the glazing, but window blinds should be the initial step.

Fun fact: Blinds can improve a home’s insulation by up to 50% depending on the glazing installed!

3) They also reduce heat gain

To be energy efficient, most homes aim to be highly insulating and ‘airtight’. But as a result, this often means that your home is prone to overheating in summer. However, thermal blinds can counteract this! Their solar protective coating acts as a reflective layer, which prevents build-up and keeps your home cool.

roller blinds for thermal efficiency

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Blinds for Home Insulation?

There are many reasons to choose window blinds for home energy efficiency. Not only are they a quick and simple method to combat increasing energy costs, but you’ll also benefit from:

  • Reduced heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
  • Reduced energy costs (including heating, cooling, and lighting)
  • Controlled daylight and controlled glare
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Improved privacy and security
  • Maintained views to the outside
  • Improved thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort
  • Reduced carbon footprint

Pleated blinds for home insulation

How to Get the Most out of your Blinds for Energy Efficiency

A large part of using your blinds for home insulation is opening and closing them at the right times.

Using your blinds for home insulation in winter: Open your blinds in the morning to allow the sun to warm your home. Once the sun has gone down, close them to insulate your home and reduce the amount of heat that can escape.

Using your blinds for energy efficiency in summer: To prevent your home from overheating, close your blinds during the hottest hours of the day. Your blinds will reflect the sun’s rays and maintain a cool space inside.

The best blinds for thermal efficiency will depend on your taste and requirements. But thanks to our wide range of thermal blinds, you can rest assured knowing there’s a style for you at A1 Blinds! Are you ready to upgrade your solar shading? Get started today and choose the perfect blinds for energy efficiency in your home.

How Can Roller Blinds Improve my Home’s Energy Efficiency?

How Can Roller Blinds Improve my Home’s Energy Efficiency?

During winter when the heating goes on and the gas bill goes up, naturally we all start to think of ways to improve our homes energy efficiency. You might have considered a new energy efficient boiler? Fitting better home insulation? Investing in new double glazing? Even triple glazing? All of which can be pretty expensive home improvements!

But have you ever considered draught-proofing your windows with roller blinds? Roller blinds improve energy efficiency. It’s a fact! But don’t just take our word for it, we’ll explain…

At A1 Blinds we produce the best roller blinds in the North East Region. Made to measure in house by our expert craftsmen, we’re able to tailor your blinds to meet your specific requirements! Our roller blinds improve energy efficiency, block out light and provide you with the privacy that you desire. For advice on choosing the best blinds for your home, get in touch at info@a1blindsuk.co.uk or 0800 193 0417.

How do Roller Blinds Improve Energy Efficiency?

Roller blinds improve energy efficiency by simply adding an extra fabric layer between the inside and outside of your home. They trap a layer of air in the middle and therefore, help to seal your window and prevent air from escaping from either side!

This makes them perfect for the winter, and summer months too! Here’s how they’ll work…

Striped roller blinds

Roller Blinds Reduce Heat Loss in Winter

If your roller blinds fit nicely against your window frame, they’ll considerably reduce heat loss through your windows. This will be true for made to measure blinds that are fit properly with no gaps.

The tight fit of your blinds reduces the loss of warm air and prevents any cold air from entering. Helping to maintain a consistent temperature in your home.

By keeping your blinds closed during the night and open in the day, you’ll trap the heat accumulated at night-time which will slowly release into your home throughout the day. This should decrease the need to turn on your central heating!

Opening Your Roller Blinds at the Right Times!

By simply opening your blinds at the right time of day, you’ll gain maximum benefit from your roller blinds’ thermal efficiency.

For example, whenever the sun is shining (even if it’s cold outside) open your blinds! Allowing the sun rays into your home will help to maintain a warmer temperature. Then, when the sun has gone down, close your blinds to retain the warmth you’ve built up. It can be that simple!

Roller Blinds for Keeping Cool in Summer

Though it may seem a long way away, summer is always just around the corner. So, it’s important that your new roller blinds improve energy efficiency in your home all year round.

Roller blinds are a fantastic choice for year-round efficiency. On a hot summer’s day, keep your blinds closed to prevent any direct rays from warming your home. By doing so, the heat accumulated from the sun will be trapped between your roller blinds and your window. Then as the temperatures drop in the evenings, open your blind to release the trapped air into your room. Again, delaying the need to turn on the heating!

Thermal Roller Blinds Improve Your Home’s Efficiency Even Further

If you want to go a step further with your home’s energy efficiency, you should consider thermal roller blinds. A1 Blinds has a wide range of thermal roller blinds with a solar protective coating. This adds another layer between the inside and the outside of your home, further improving its’ thermal efficiency!

Black thermal roller blind

Other Blinds That Improve Your Homes’ Thermal Efficiency

Roller blinds improve thermal efficiency… but so do other blind styles, too! If you’re looking for a more luxurious window dressing, Roman Blinds are on par with rollers when it comes to home insulation. They offer the same benefits and work in the same way that roller blinds do.

However, if you’d like a blind that offers more control over light and privacy, Venetian, Vertical and Vision blindswill all work towards improving your home insulation. By adjusting their slats, you can control exactly how much light, and therefore warmth enters your home.

Light equals warmth! So, if you use that knowledge and adjust the light entering your home, you’ll pretty much have it sussed when it comes to getting the most energy efficiency out of your blinds. No matter which style you choose!

Roman blinds for energy efficiency

Are you ready to improve your homes energy efficiency with new roller blinds? Or any other style for that matter?! Why not get started today and book a FREE home consultation appointment on our website? During your appointment, our expert team will measure your windows to ensure we get a perfect fit for maximum energy efficiency! We’ll also bring a wide range of samples for you to choose from.

You can book an appointment via our website, or by getting in touch at info@a1blinds.co.uk  or 0800 193 0417.

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