The data has it...
Blinds make better winter energy savings

The BBSA went to the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory to test window energy loss reduction on a modern double glazed low-e window.
Results show up to 33% reduction in heat loss through windows when using blinds and shutters*
Savings with single glazed windows and old double glazed windows can be even higher!
Product
Roller blind fitted with zip side channels with low-e fabric
Window energy loss reduction on a modern double glazed
low-e window, up to*
33%
32%
28%
22%
13%
Blockout honeycomb blind in a framed bead fit system so gaps are minimised
Internal plantation shutter
Roller blind fitted with side channels
Standard roller blind
Full details of specific products tested are available on the Blinds Make Better website
* Results from product tests at the University of Salford’s Energy House Laboratory. Centre pane U-value measurements on a modern double glazed low-e window. Improvements shown above are against the same window with no covering.
In 2020 87% of English homes had full double glazing (English Housing Survey 2020-2021 – Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities)

How to use your blinds and shutters to
save energy in winter
Keep heat in at night
Let heat in during the day
Open blinds and shutters when sunny in the day
to utilise the free solar energy from the sun to warm your home
Think of blinds and shutters as a thermostat for your window!
Close blinds and shutters in the night
to provide extra insulation helping to reduce heat loss, keep warmer and save energy
Blinds closed
8.3c
Blinds open
14.4c
The flow of heat transfer through windows
is displayed using infrared imaging. Red areas indicate the highest rate of heat loss.