During these challenging economic times, we all need a helping hand to make our homes more efficient. Did you know that up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling can escape through windows and doors? Fortunately, there are easy fixes for this problem that can save you money in the long run.
50% of a home’s heating and cooling can escape through windows and doors
Curtains, shutters and blinds can do more than just add style and functionality to your home – they can also help to reduce energy bills and maintain a comfortable living space throughout the year.
Interlined Roman Blinds and Curtains
Adding an extra layer of interlining when making curtains or roman blinds improves their body, drape, and thermal qualities. It can also extend the lifespan of your curtain or blind fabric by adding an extra layer to stop the sun from penetrating through as much, thereby reducing the damaging UV rays reacting with the face fabric. The length of your curtain can also help with insulation too. Puddling a door curtain can cut out draughts and stop heat from escaping.
Luxaflex® Blinds
Luxaflex® blinds, such as Duette blinds, offer excellent insulation qualities. The cellular honeycomb structure of the blind creates pockets of air that help to trap in heat. They come in a wide array of fabrics, pleat sizes, finishes, and shapes, providing solutions for even the most difficult windows to dress. Adding motorised blind automation can also improve the efficiency of our homes. Setting blinds to close during peak sunlight hours, or when the heating comes on, helps to keep homes at a constant temperature, thereby reducing energy usage.
Luxaflex® Shutters
Shutters are another great option that Inkwood Interiors offers which provide excellent insulation. The pocket of air created between the shutter and the window provides additional insulation. Luxaflex® shutters come in a great choice of colours, different louver sizes, and wood and faux options, making them a very versatile product. Shutters can also be a stylish solution for shaped windows, making them a wonderful addition to any home
Rugs
A rug placed on a wooden floor can make your home feel significantly warmer by reducing draughts through floorboards and adding a cosier feel underfoot. Inkwood Interiors offers a broad range of rugs from Waltons in various colours and sizes, available in-store. Alternatively, you can order Designers Guild rugs in their vibrant colours and beautiful designs. Crucial Trading also offers
bespoke sizes with an excellent selection of designs and edge bindings, enabling you to create the perfect rug for your home.
Awnings and Screens
Awnings and external screen blinds from Luxaflex® can block out the sun’s rays in summer, limiting the amount of solar gain heat entering your home. This reduces the need for air conditioning and also protects finishes and fabrics in the home from UV rays that would normally enter the property. Adding an outside awning above a patio door or over a decked area will also extend the hours you can enjoy your garden in summer, making them a wonderful addition to any home. Awnings are fully retractable (mechanical or motorised) and are available to customise with your choice of fabric, hardware colour and integrated LED lighting.
Colour Choices
Lastly, something as simple as choosing warmer or cooler colours for your walls can have a big impact on how inviting a room feels. Painting your walls with warm colours can make a space feel much more inviting, while painting with cool, light-reflecting colours can help reflect heat back out of a room, providing a cooling effect. Inkwood Interiors offers an excellent range of paints and wallpapers to help achieve the look and feel you desire in your home.
Ready to make your home more energy efficient?
Discover the best awning or external shade options to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs and find the perfect solution for your space.
