With energy prices still high, lots of homeowners across Barnsley and South Yorkshire are asking us the same question: will new blinds or curtains actually make a difference to my bills? The honest answer is yes, they can help, as long as you pick the right product and use it properly.
Why windows matter
Glass lets heat escape far more easily than an insulated wall. Even good double glazing loses warmth on a cold night, and older windows lose much more. In summer the problem flips: sunlight pours through the glass and the room overheats.
A window covering works by trapping a layer of still air between the glass and the room. The better it seals and the more air it traps, the more it helps.
Cellular blinds: the most energy-efficient blind
Cellular blinds (also called honeycomb blinds) are made from two layers of fabric joined in a honeycomb shape. Each cell holds pockets of air, which acts as insulation. They're light, neat, and available in blackout and light-filtering fabrics. If saving energy is your main goal, start here.
Curtains with a thermal lining
Heavy, lined curtains are a traditional way to keep heat in, and they still work. A thermal or interlining helps most, and curtains that hang slightly past the window and close to the floor stop cold air creeping round the edges.
Keeping your house cool in summer
Energy saving isn't only about heating. On a hot day a south-facing room can become uncomfortable fast, and more of us are buying fans or portable air conditioning to cope.
- Close blinds before the sun hits: it's much easier to keep heat out than to remove it later.
- Choose light or reflective backings: they bounce sunlight back out.
- Consider window film: solar film on the glass reduces heat and glare while still letting you see out.
Simple habits that help
- Close blinds and curtains at dusk in winter to hold in the day's warmth.
- Open them on sunny winter days to let free heat in.
- Don't let curtains drape over radiators; it pushes heat up behind them and out of the window.
- Check for draughts around frames; a blind can't fix a gap in the seal.
Frequently asked questions
What type of blind is best for keeping heat in?
Cellular (honeycomb) blinds are the most thermally efficient, followed by lined Roman blinds and thermal curtains.
Does window film work in winter?
Some films are designed to help retain heat as well as reduce solar gain. We can advise which suits your windows.
Free measure and quote across Barnsley and South Yorkshire
We measure, supply and fit across Barnsley, Penistone, Wombwell, Hoyland, Darton, Royston, Cudworth and Dodworth, as well as Wakefield, Rotherham and Sheffield. Book your free home visit and we'll bring samples to you, so you can see colours and fabrics in your own light before you decide.