As you know, blinds have been used for many years to provide privacy and security, keep rooms cooler in the summer, and protect valuable furniture, carpets, floors, and furnishings. But, did you know that those same blinds can also help reduce your heating bill. That’s right, blinds can also help reduce your heating bill by up to 15%*.
Guildford Shades has been manufacturing, installing and maintaining all types of interior and exterior blinds since 1929. We pride ourselves on using only the best quality components and fabrics when manufacturing our blinds and we also ensure that, where ever possible, we support British companies. One of these companies is Louvolite, who are based in Hyde near Manchester and they have been, along with the National Physical Laboratory, over the past year testing all their fabrics for thermal efficiency. The results of the tests, have not only produced an energy saving figure of between 11% and 15%* but also, an actual typical cost saving of between £95 and £133* per year.
To help you determine what Energy Rating (ER) a particular fabric has, a simple rating system has been developed by Louvolite. Fabrics are identified as being in one of three groups ER1, ER2 and ER3 - ER1 being the most efficient fabric. This means that if you are trying to decide between a couple of fabrics and one has a better ER rating than the other it may prove to be the deciding factor.
Emma Barnett, Manager of Guildford Shades says, “This information is great, as for years our advice to our customers has always been based on the benefits and uses of blinds from outside influences like Solar Protective Coatings (SPC) for maximum UV protection and heat reflection, whilst knowing that the blinds can probably help with insulation. However, now we can provide them with accurate information on how these same blinds can actually help keep their homes warmer in the winter and save them money on their heating bills”.
With so many fantastic fabrics available in a vast range of colours in both modern and contemporary designs, blinds not only perform brilliantly, but look great too and can be the finishing touch your home has been looking for.
* Figures produced by an independent specialist authority on behalf of Louvolite.
