Can smart blinds help you save money on energy bills this winter?

Short answer: yes, when you pair insulating fabrics with simple automations that open for winter sun and close to keep warmth in. Here’s our simple guide for homeowners and self builders in Suffolk on how smart blinds reduce heat loss, trim down lighting use, and make winter living a lot more comfortable.

Why do blinds make a difference? Even with good double glazing, windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in a home. Insulating blinds (especially honeycomb/cellular styles) add a barrier at the window and work to prevent heat from escaping. The British Blinds & Shutter Association reports that tightly-fitted insulating blinds can cut heat loss through windows by around 33%.

How smart blinds help save you money

1. Insulating fabrics If you’re choosing a blind for warmth, look for cellular/honeycomb constructions. For instance, Luxaflex® Duette fabrics use a multi-cell structure to trap air at the window, helping to keep your rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

2. Smart control Smart blinds turn good fabric into a great winter solution. Home automation allows you to do these three things without any extra effort: • Harvest free solar heat and daylight by day. Open your blinds on sunny winter days (especially on south-facing windows) to let the sun warm your room and reduce your reliance on lamps. • Close at dusk. When the sun goes, you don’t want warm air seeping out of the glass. An automated smart home schedule ensures your blinds will always close at dusk without any extra effort on your part. • React to weather. With light and temperature sensors, blinds can tilt or lower when bright (to control glare) and close when it’s cold.

Where should I install smart blinds in my home? • Living rooms and open plan spaces with large areas of glazing • Lofts and roof rooms that feel cold near the window • Home offices with glare issues • Bedrooms (pair cellular fabrics with blackout where needed)

How to set up winter scenes for your smart blinds Sunrise: Open your blinds on all south and east-facing windows to allow daylight and warmth through your windows.

Mid-morning: If it’s bright, tilt or lower your blinds just enough to stop glare while maintaining daylight levels (especially in home offices).

Dusk: Close all your outward-facing blinds. There’s no more free heat from the sun, so keep your warmth inside.

Away mode: Add some randomised evening positions to make it look like someone is still home. This can be integrated with your smart lighting too for extra security.

Frost lockout (optional): In very cold snaps, some systems can stop your blinds from moving if there’s a risk of fabric sticking to cold panes.

Fabric and hardware tips • Choose cellular/honeycomb fabrics for the best winter insulation effect. • A snug fit around the frame reduces draughts at the edges. • Add sensors; they help keep your routine consistent. • Plan power early. Battery is fine for most retrofits. But if you’re self building, we recommend hard-wiring your smart blinds during the build stage to keep everything looking neat and tidy. • Integrate with heating. Set your blinds to close at the same time your heating comes on in the evening.

Homeowners and self builders: ready to try this at home? We’ll come out to your home in Suffolk to check your windows and talk you through our smart home options. You can see fabric samples in person, get clear advice on batteries vs. hardwiring, and we’ll provide you with a no-obligation quote.

Book a free consultation today; we’ll help you choose the right smart blinds and set them up to save you money this winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will smart blinds make a difference if I already have decent glazing? Yes, insulating blinds add a second barrier that has been proven to be effective in reducing heat loss.

Do smart blinds help with condensation or draughts? They won’t fix moisture problems, but a snug-fitting insulating blind helps keep heat inside and blocks the cold air that rolls off the glass. Your room will feel warmer, so you may be able to turn the heating down a notch.

Can I start small? Absolutely. Do the coldest rooms in your house first, then expand once you feel the benefit.