We’re not used to scorching summers in the UK. But record-breaking temperatures are becoming more common and with that, sales of home air conditioning units are rising fast.
According to industry reports, demand for portable and fixed AC systems in UK homes has surged over the last few years. It’s easy to see why: when it’s 30°C+ outside and even hotter inside, sleeping, working, and simply relaxing can feel impossible.
But there’s a hidden cost.
More AC means more electricity. And in a country where most homes still rely on fossil fuels for power, that means higher energy bills and a bigger carbon footprint.
The Problem with Plugging In
Air conditioning is energy intensive. Just one portable unit can use as much electricity as running a washing machine non-stop and central air systems use far more.
- UK homes are not designed for high heat, so they warm up quickly.
- Most AC systems work against the heat already in your home, not with it.
- It's a reactive solution and a costly one.
That’s where we come in.
A Simpler, Smarter First Step: Blinds That Act Like Natural Insulation
We’re not saying blinds will replace your air conditioner completely but they could drastically reduce how often you need to use it.
The right window blinds (especially those designed to reflect heat) can reduce indoor temperatures before they become uncomfortable. And they do it passively with no plug socket required.
For example:
- Cellular (honeycomb) blinds trap air in their structure, acting like double glazing for your windows. Most Cellular fabrics have white backing, perfect for heat reflection.
- Light-filtering fabrics with reflective backings bounce heat away from the home.
- Roof lantern blinds, often overlooked, make a huge difference in high-glare, high-heat areas like kitchen extensions.
Real Results: What the Research Shows
Research commissioned by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) on a London apartment block found:
- Temperatures hit 47.5°C in top-floor flats with no shading.
- With internal blinds, the temperature dropped to 32°C.
- External blinds kept rooms at a more manageable 28°C — a 41% reduction in heat.
That's the difference between sweating and sleeping.
For more information on the BBSA research https://bbsa.org.uk/householders/overheating/
Cooler Homes. Smaller Bills. Lighter Footprint.
Sometimes walking into a customer’s home you know the issue before asking the question, a conservatory that feels like you are sat in an oven, or a single glazed bedroom that is really cold in the winter. Other times cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter is an added bonus, but not the main reason for needing a blind.
If a blind won’t help with heat control in your home, we’ll tell you.
But when it can, we’ll show you how and why it’s a better choice than jumping straight to an expensive AC install or reducing the running costs of your existing AC unit.
In fact, many of our fabrics are made right here in the UK and use recycled yarns including ocean-bound plastic bottles meaning your blinds do even more for the planet.
If You’re Thinking About AC… Talk to Us First
We’re not here to sell you something you don’t need. But if we can help you stay cooler and save energy, we’d love to help.
Our advice is free, and it might just save you hundreds in running costs — and more importantly, help you feel good about your choices.
FAQs
Q: Will blinds really make that much of a difference?
Yes, especially in rooms with direct sunlight or large windows. The right fabric and fitting can reduce heat significantly.
Q: Are blackout blinds always the best option for heat control?
Not necessarily. Some blackout fabrics can trap heat. We often recommend light-filtering or reflective fabrics for summer use.
Q: What about blinds for roof lanterns or skylights?
We offer solar-powered, wire-free roof blinds that are perfect for controlling heat in kitchen extensions and open-plan living areas.
