Are Thermal Roman Blinds Effective?

Roman blinds promise to help cut your energy bills, keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, by using a combination of insulating and reflecting layers, as well as creating a draught-proof barrier.

If you are worried about your heating bills and are looking for ways to draught-proof your home, thermal blinds can seem like a perfect addition to your insulation, draught excluders and existing efficient heating system.

When Are Roman Blinds Most Effective?

Roman blinds work very well, but they are not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution, particularly if you have fundamental issues with your insulation.

However, if the biggest cold spots in an otherwise warm enough house are near your windows, you will get the most benefit from thermal Roman blinds, and it could potentially lead to more comfortable homes heated for less.

On the subject of fit, the better the thermal blinds fit to your window frame, sitting close to the window itself whilst covering each edge, the more of a thermal saving you will get.

However, here are four scenarios where thermal blinds are particularly effective.

If You Have Old Windows

If you have older double glazing (or worse, single glazing), then your windows are vulnerable to condensation, draughts and significant heat loss.

Whilst the long-term solution is replacing your windows, a stop-gap solution is to fit made-to-measure thermal blinds. Even if you replace your windows later, you will still get the benefit from your blinds. 

But note that ventilation should be considered, since condensation can cause problems such as mould on fabric.

You Have A South-Facing Home

South-facing homes tend to get the worst of both worlds when it comes to heatwaves and winter chills; they face the brunt of the sun during the summer, but are more exposed to the elements over the winter.

If this is the case with you, fitting more insulation and thermal-conscious design solutions will provide more significant benefits if your home is more exposed than otherwise.

You Regularly Deal With Condensation

Regular condensation is often a sign of issues with double glazing, most commonly found with older types where the gases in between each layer have been let out over time.

Whilst not a perfect solution, thermal blinds act as a surrogate thermal layer that creates an air pocket, which can create a similar effect to double glazing, which in turn reduces heat loss and the effect of outdoor noise.

Ensuring proper ventilation is a must, however, as condensation problems can lead to mould appearing on fabric.

You Have Noticed Suddenly Increasing Heating Bills

Sometimes, it is less about feeling the effect of the cold in the room but feeling the effect on your wallet.

Poor draught proofing forces your heating system to work harder to keep your home warm, so anything that can reduce this effort will save you money in the long run.