Do Blinds keep Heat In?

How do blinds keep heat in, reducing heat loss through windows thereby reducing heating bills.

Blinds help keep heat in a room through a combination of insulation and reduction of heat loss mechanisms. 

Experts suggest that if blinds and shutters are fitted, heat loss can be reduced by as much as 50%, which is a performance that’s comparable to double glazing!

The energy-saving benefits of blinds and shutters will vary depending on many factors including type of blinds or shutters, the amount of glazing in the building and the orientation of your building.

Here’s how blinds contribute to retaining heat:

1. Insulation: Blinds themselves act as insulators. When they are closed, they create a barrier between the interior of the room and the window, which can help reduce heat transfer. The insulating properties of blinds vary depending on the type of blinds and the materials used.
2. Reducing Convection: Heat can be lost through convection, which occurs when warm indoor air comes into contact with the colder window surface. Closed blinds create a layer of still air between the window and the room, reducing convective heat loss.
3. Blocking Drafts: In addition to preventing heat loss through the window itself, blinds can help block drafts that may enter through gaps or cracks around the window frame. This is especially true for blinds that fit snugly within the window frame.
4. Cellular or Honeycomb Blinds: Cellular or honeycomb blinds, with their unique honeycomb-like structure, are especially effective at insulating. The air pockets within the cells act as thermal barriers, reducing heat transfer and maintaining a more stable indoor temperature.
5. Reflective Materials: Blinds made from reflective materials, particularly on the outward-facing side, can help bounce heat back into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the window.
6. Adjustable Control: Blinds offer the advantage of adjustable control over the amount of sunlight and heat that enters the room. You can open them during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to retain heat.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of blinds in keeping heat in can vary depending on factors such as the type of blinds, the quality of installation, the condition of the windows, and the overall insulation of the room. For optimal energy efficiency and heat retention, it may be beneficial to combine blinds with other insulation measures, such as sealing gaps and cracks in windows and walls, and ensuring that windows are in good condition.

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We are members of the BBSA and the video in this article is drawn from the BBSA’s Shade IT website: