How To Use Thermal Blinds To Keep The Heat Out This Summer

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Mon 25 Apr 2022

With a little bit of luck, the temperature in the UK will continue to rise over the next weeks and months until – hopefully – the summer will be warm, sunny and give us all a post winter boost of happiness. While many are looking forward to the heat, living amongst it 24 hours per day, every day, can be a bit much – so should you consider air conditioning? Before you make any expensive choices, read on…

Using air conditioning in the UK

Air conditioning has been around for a long time – especially in cars – but following a trend from the USA, it’s moving into homes around the UK. While it helps to keep a space cool, there are some drawbacks – it’s expensive and with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), it’s not great for the environment. 

The cost of running air conditioning units can start to rack up – especially during today’s cost of living crisis with inflation and energy prices soaring. With units often costing over £1000, and costs exceeding £100 per month, air conditioning is something that is simply out of the reach of many.

Moreover, somewhat ironically, where we use air conditioning to cool us down, they can be contributing to the heating of the planet. Air con units are very power hungry, and it has been reported that during a heatwave in 2018, 50% of Beijing’s power capacity was going to air conditioning – that’s an astounding figure. So, is it the case that to keep cool we simply must accept these financial and environmental costs? Fortunately, that’s not the case – there is a very simple solution!

Use thermal blinds to keep the heat out

This may sound strange, but you can make a few easy steps to your windows to keep yourself, and the planet cooler this summer.

How heat reducing blinds work

The first thing to consider is thermal linings. We’ve mentioned before that thermal-lined blinds will keep the hot air in your home during the winter, saving on heating bills, but those same linings will help you keep cool in the summer. They do this by blocking the hot air from the outside keeping you cooler during warmer days.  

What are the best blinds to keep the heat out?

Combine a thermal lining with a roman blind or curtain and you can enjoy the twin benefits of stopping intrusive hot air while enjoying the style of your window dressing – you don’t have to sacrifice elegance for coolness. Each of our Roman blinds and curtains gives the option for a free thermal lining upgrade, check out your options today!

Honeycomb blinds are an excellent option for letting in light while barring entry to heat.

Sometimes known as cellular shades, honeycomb blinds trap air in their cells which in turn stops heat escaping in the winter and entering in the summer. By creating a cushion of air between you and the heat of the sun, you can easily stay cool while your home looks ultimately stylish!

Fingers crossed, 2022 will enjoy an excellent summer full of lovely long days, carefree weekends and the formation of many wonderful memories. With just a few steps and a small investment, you can enjoy a cooling shelter from the sun to help you recharge before returning to the fun, and if you’re hoping to open up your patio doors and spend more time in the garden, you may enjoy reading some of our ideas for garden and patio doors.  

Shop some of the best blinds for keeping the heat out: