How to Improve Energy Efficiency and Save Money

Whilst making your home look even better too.

65% of your annual energy consumption is used within just three months of the year.

Obviously you have a few variables to consider such as insulation, the amount of occupants and usage habits but, for a large detached house that roughly equates to £1,560 and £1,150 for a medium sized semi detached over 3 months.

That’s £520 and £383.33 a month respectively.

Then, looking further forward to the future you need to take into account the fact that the energy rates and standing charges are increasing again too. Despite the fall in prices in late 2023 and much of 2024, typical bills under the October to December 2025 price cap will still be 44% higher than in winter 2021/22.

And they show no signs of reducing.

This means that, in essence, the only way to substantially reduce energy bills whilst still adequately heating and powering your home is to improve the energy efficiency of your property.

Windows are a major source of heat loss from your home and can account for 18% of it. This percentage can be even higher in older properties and/or listed buildings that don’t have double or triple glazing.

But window treatments such as blinds, shutters and curtains can significantly reduce up to 33% of the heat loss from your home. That’s a third off of the figures quoted above.

When installed by a professional, quality window coverings create a barrier that helps to regulate internal temperatures all year-round. Materials like thick fabrics, wood or specially coated fabrics offer optimum insulation. Fitted shutters and blinds with sealed side channels can also provide the maximum heat retention

But what’s best? To be fair, you have options, ones that will help compliment your home as well as save you money.

Thermal blinds - Proven to reduce heat loss by up to 40%. 

Plantation Shutters - Research indicates that shutters can reduce heat loss by up to 28% or more, with some claims of over 50% when fitted correctly. 

Insulated Roller Blinds - Roller blinds with insulating features, such as low-e fabric and zip side channels, demonstrated up to a 33% reduction in heat loss in lab tests. 

Thermal Curtains - These are effective but generally less so than thermal blinds, providing a 25-30% reduction in heat loss. 

Further Tips for Maximising Heat Retention

Opt for thermal or blackout treatments for winter heat retention, then consider:

Fit and Sealing: Proper and professional installation in any case is crucial. Window treatments that are well-fitted and sealed properly to the window frame prevent air leakage and enhance their insulating properties. 

Materials: Thicker, more solid materials like wood used in plantation shutters offer much better insulation than fabric alone. 

Double-Glazing: When combined with double-glazed windows, specialised blinds with features like low-e coatings provide the most significant energy savings. 

Choose Insulating Materials: Look for thick fabrics, solid wood shutters or blinds with specialised insulating properties. 

Seal Air Leaks: Use foam strips or other draught-proofing materials to seal gaps around the window frame itself. 

I hope this helps!

Neil.

Sources Used

https://www.windowpainsmk.co.uk/thermal-blinds-for-heat-retention/

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9714/