Post Transform Your Home with Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

The UK has witnessed a staggering rise in electricity bills in the last decade. The House of Commons Library claims that the country has witnessed an increase of about 36% in electricity bills from 2010-2021. With this issue becoming more serious with each passing year, the rise of energy-efficient window treatments is becoming a heated conversation in the public forum. 

If you’re reading this, you’re likely aware of one thing: your windows may be leaking heat and running up your energy bills. That’s where the right blinds come into play. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how energy-efficient blinds can transform your home, making it warmer in winter, cooler in summer and kinder on your wallet. 

Are blinds really energy efficient?

You might be thinking: “Blinds? Really? Can they make that much difference?” The short answer: yes. Windows are one of the biggest weak spots when it comes to energy loss in a home, even with modern glazing. As one expert puts it, window coverings “help with a home’s energy efficiency by providing insulation, controlling solar heat gain and using natural light to reduce the use of electric light.” 

For instance, thermal blinds (with special linings) can reduce heat escaping through your windows in winter and block solar gain in summer. So yes, the right blinds are more than decor; they’re a smart energy-saving choice.

Which types of blinds save the most energy?

Not all blinds are created equal when it comes to energy performance — so let’s break down some of the best options and how they feature in our product list at Concorde Blinds.

Duette / Honeycomb Blinds (Thermal Blinds)

These are widely considered the heavy hitters and a top choice for energy-efficient blinds.

• Mechanism: Their unique honeycomb or “cellular” design features internal pockets of fabric that trap air.

How they save energy:

• Insulation (Conduction): The trapped air inside the cells creates an effective layer of still air, which is a poor conductor of heat. This significantly slows the transfer of heat through the window, keeping the room warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

• Performance: High-quality cellular shades can reduce winter heat loss through windows by 40% or more, translating to tangible savings on heating bills.

Blackout Blinds / Roller with Thermal Backing

While their primary function is light control, the materials used in these blackout blinds provide substantial energy efficiency.

• Mechanism: The thick, multi-layered or specially coated opaque fabrics create a dense physical barrier.

How they save energy:

• Thermal Barrier & Draught Blockage (Convection): The dense fabric acts as an extra insulating layer. When they are properly fitted, especially as made-to-measure energy-saving blinds, they minimise air gaps around the frame, effectively blocking cold draughts from the window area.

• Heat Reflection (Radiation): A key feature, especially with a thermal or reflective backing (often white or metal-coated), is their ability to reflect radiant heat. In summer, this coating bounces solar heat out of the room. In winter, it reflects a significant amount of heat back into the room, preventing it from escaping through the glass.

• Dual Benefit: They are a strong dual-benefit solution, offering total darkness for improved sleep along with noticeable thermal regulation.

Roller Blinds & Perfect Fit/Intu Blinds

The energy performance of standard roller blinds is greatly enhanced when combined with thermal features and a precise fit.

• Thermal Roller Blinds: These utilise the same principle as blackout blinds with thermal lining; a specialised thermal coating or dense fabric is used to create an insulating and reflective layer.

Perfect Fit / Intu Blinds (The Fit Factor):

• Even the best fabrics are ineffective if there are gaps. Systems like Perfect Fit or Intu are solutions that sit tightly within the window beading or frame. This snug, low-gap installation is crucial, as it seals off the air space between the blind and the glass, creating a dead-air space which drastically reduces the circulation of cold or warm air.

How much could you save?

In real terms, how does this affect your bills and home comfort?

• Research indicates that upgrading blinds to a thermal range can reduce energy costs by up to 16%. 
• Another general source says that homes may lose as much as “up to 30% of heating and cooling energy through their windows” without energy-efficient coverings. 
• For summer overheating, thermal blinds can “keep as much as 75% of the heat out” when fully closed. 

What this means for you: If your home has large glazed areas, conservatories, or older windows with poorer insulation, installing well-fitted energy-efficient blinds could reduce your heating/cooling demand noticeably, translating into lower bills and more comfortable rooms.

Selecting Blinds by Window Orientation & Size

The direction your window faces significantly dictates whether your priority should be blocking summer heat or trapping winter warmth.

South-Facing or Large Glazed Areas (Managing Solar Gain) 

• The Challenge: Windows facing south receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, especially in summer. This leads to high solar gain (heat absorption), which can quickly overheat a room.

• The Solution: You need blinds designed to reflect heat and manage intense light.

• Thermal Roller Blinds: These utilise a specialised reflective backing to bounce the sun’s infrared rays out of the room, preventing excessive heat build-up.

• Blackout Blinds: Beyond darkness, their thick fabric construction and often reflective backing work effectively as a thermal shield to prevent radiant heat from passing through the glass.

• Perfect-Fit Blinds: On large glazed areas like sliding or bi-fold doors, a made-to-measure energy-saving blinds system ensures minimal gaps, reducing the opportunity for heat transfer around the edges.

North-Facing or Older Windows (Reducing Heat Loss) 

• The Challenge: North-facing windows receive little to no direct sun, making them major points of heat loss in winter. Older or single-glazed windows are particularly prone to heat escaping and draughts entering.

• The Solution: Your focus should be on creating an insulating barrier of still air.

• Thermal Blinds / Honeycomb (Duette Blinds): These are the optimal choice. Their internal air pockets trap air, significantly slowing the rate of heat transfer from the warm room to the cold glass.

• Draught Reduction: For older properties, the focus shifts to a tight seal. Bespoke energy-efficient blinds that fit snugly to the frame (like Perfect Fit) are essential to mitigate cold draughts.

Selecting Blinds by Window Type / Shape

The geometry of the window dictates the blind fitting system needed to achieve a crucial, energy-saving minimal gap.

Bi-fold Doors, Patio Doors, & Large Windows

• The Principle: The energy efficiency of any blind is severely compromised by air gaps. On frequently used doors and windows, a secure, integrated fit is necessary.

• The Solution: Perfect Fit / Intu Blinds are ideal. These systems clip or slot directly into the window frame or sash (the moving part of the window) without the need for drilling. This achieves a highly effective energy-efficient window treatment by:

• Minimising Gaps: Sealing the blind much closer to the glass than a standard recess-fitted blind.

• Preserving Functionality: Allowing the doors to be opened, closed, and tilted without the blind interfering.

Skylights or Roof-lights

• The Challenge: These slanted windows are highly susceptible to both summer solar gain and winter heat loss, as heat rises directly towards them. Standard vertical blinds won’t work due to gravity.

• The Solution: Specialist Roof-Light Blinds or Lantern Blinds are required.

• Mechanism: These are typically spring-tensioned or motorised systems designed to run horizontally or at an angle.

• Insulation: It is critical to select versions of these specialist blinds that incorporate insulating linings to manage the extreme temperatures encountered in roof areas.

A well-chosen, made-to-measure blind is the most effective element of a successful overall home energy strategy.

Made-to-measure, perfect-fit & bespoke: is it worth it?

Here’s the thing: many homeowners buy off-the-shelf blinds and assume they’ll perform. But if the fit is wrong or the fabric is weak in thermal properties, the energy gains will be modest. 

Bespoke, made-to-measure blinds are highlighted for “improved energy efficiency” because they fit properly and use suitable materials. 

A thermal-range blind with a good fit can reduce costs significantly. 

At Concorde Blinds, we believe you’ll see the best energy savings when:

• The blind is measured to your exact window size and shape.
• The fabric/lining is chosen for thermal or blackout performance.
• The installation is professionally done to ensure minimal gaps and correct operation.

Yes, the initial cost may be higher than a standard blind, but when you factor in lower energy bills, improved comfort, and better long-term performance, it’s a smart investment.

 Summer overheating and winter heat loss: how blinds work both ways

Feature	Winter Mode (Focus: Warmth)	Summer Mode (Focus: Coolness)
Main Problem	Heat Loss (Your warm air is escaping)	Solar Gain (The sun’s heat is coming in)
How Blinds Help	Insulate: Trap a layer of air to keep warmth in.	Reflect: Bounce heat out before it warms the room.
Key Action	Close them at night (when the cold sets in).	Close them during the day (when the sun is strongest).
Result	Keeps the room warmer; saves money on heating.	Keeps the room cooler; saves money on fans/AC.
Best Blinds	Honeycomb/Cellular Blinds (Air pockets)	Thermal Roller Blinds (Reflective backing)

Installation, measuring, fit & maintenance tips for best performance

To maximise the benefits, here are our top tips:

• Measure carefully: For best results, we recommend a home visit from us at Concorde Blinds so we can take precise measurements.
• Fit matters: A blind that leaves gaps around edges will lose thermal performance. Perfect-Fit models are especially good for large glazed areas.
• Choose the correct fabric & lining: For insulation, choose thermal lining/honeycomb structure; for solar gain blocking, choose blackout or high-performance roller fabric.

Operate correctly:

• In winter, close blinds at dusk to lock warmth in.
• In summer, close blinds when the sun hits the glass and open blinds when the sun sets to allow cool air.
• Maintenance: Keep tracks/rolls clean; periodically check the fit; ensure the fabric is taut and clean. Dust or sagging may compromise performance slightly.
• Consider layering: In some cases, layering a thermal blind behind stylish curtains can boost insulation further, especially in older windows.

Look at the whole window environment: Even the best blinds can’t entirely fix badly sealed windows or excessive glazing without adequate shading, but they can make a big improvement without the cost of full window replacement.

Let’s unlock your home’s energy-saving potential

At Concorde Blinds, we know your home is one of your biggest assets, and one where comfort and costs should go hand in hand. If you’re tired of chill zones, hot spots, soaring energy bills or window headaches, upgrading to energy-efficient blinds is a smart move. From our Thermal Blinds, Duette Blinds, Blackout Blinds, Roller Blinds to Perfect Fit/Intu Blinds for tricky large glazed areas, we’ve got the tailored solutions.

Ready to Cut Energy Costs and Boost Comfort? Let’s Find Your Perfect Blind Today!

Don’t let another season drain your comfort, or your energy bills. Discover how Concorde Blinds’ range of energy-efficient blinds can make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, without compromising on style. From Duette and Thermal Blinds to Perfect Fit and Blackout options, every design is tailored to maximise insulation and minimise waste. Our expert team will guide you to the perfect fit for your windows and lifestyle.

Explore our full range of energy-saving blinds and book your free consultation today because every degree of comfort (and every pound saved) counts.