• Admin
• 24 May 2021

When it comes to energy saving for homes, there are several affordable options you could choose to have cozy living spaces and with minimum maintenance costs. From curtains to window films, every option has its benefits and limitations.
Here’s our list of five options you could go for to reduce energy requirements for your home.

1. Blinds

Blinds and curtains are some of the best addons that you could choose to elevate the looks of your rooms. While improving the looks of your living space, properly color- matched blinds can help reduce heat gain in your rooms.
Light-colored blinds, especially white or near white blinds reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. And when they are used as external blinds, they can reduce even more heat gain into rooms by preventing heat to pass through your windows.
For best results, it is advised to get blinds installed at both west and south-facing windows, as they are prone to get maximum daylight during peak hours.
In addition to heat gain, they give a level of privacy and ensure proper ventilation to your living space. While comparing the benefits of external and internal blinds, we see that external blinds provide more insulation but they pose some installation difficulties for existing windows. Internal blinds on the other hand comes with all kind of features and types, ranging from panel blinds, roman blinds, roller blinds and even motorized blind options.

2. Shades

Window shades are another option that you could look into if you are looking for a minimalistic look for your rooms. They are known to provide maximum insulation when they are installed close to glass window panes and fills the entire window frame area.
While choosing shades for your windows, try looking for dual-layered shades as they can help you get proper warmth during the summer and winter seasons. Usually, these will be of a light and dark-colored combination. The light fabric gives the maximum reflection of sunlight during summer mornings, keeping the level of heat gain to a minimum. For chilly winter mornings, the shades can then be reversed with the dark fabric facing the exterior. Dark fabric stores more heat and creates a cozy atmosphere in the living space.
If you are unaware of the types, fabrics, and colors available for window shades, we invite you to check out our wide range of options, as we help customers across Dubai with top-quality window shades, drapes, curtains, and more.

3. Drapes

If you need maximum visual appeal along with excellent insulation, drapes are the perfect option for you. With the right fabric, you can get up to 33 percent less heat gain into your living spaces using drapes.
Drapes that extend from the near ceiling down to the floor forming a loose puddle of fabric can give your room a plush look while providing a cozy atmosphere too. One thing to note here is that drapes or curtains need to be as close to the windows to get maximum heat sealing.
The level of heat shield offered by drapes is also dependent on their fabric, as you can imagine. For best results, drapes with a light coat of plastic film on their back can give additional heat reflection. While this is true, you can always choose a heavier fabric to block out even more heat, but heavier fabric comes with a disadvantage when it comes to routine maintenance.
Being one of the best suppliers of curtains and drapes in Dubai, we can help you decide on the right option for your living space. Based on the kind of look and feel you may require, you could go for a combination of fabrics as well.

4. Reflective window films

Coating glass windows with reflective films is a great option where the location of the windows or vents makes it difficult for curtains or drapes. Reflective films help you keep out heat and ultraviolet rays that could affect the longevity of furniture and other fabric in your living space.
This also means that it is a cheaper way to get immense energy savings for your home. Based on the level of reflectivity that they offer, you could use reflective films to have smooth lighting to extreme insulation for cold storage even.
In addition to transparent films, you can go for silver or mirror-like films for better performance during summer. Reflective films are usually made from self-adhesive polyester that could be used as an upgrade for the existing glass window for better heat insulation, shade, and even a level of safety for the glass panel.

5. Awnings

The classic appeal of awnings and overhangs never go out of style. Although not suitable for every kind of housing, they are an excellent addition to reduce heat during summers and invite sunlight into rooms during chilly winter mornings.
Studies say they can reduce heat gain by about 65 percent on south-facing windows and a staggering 77 percent on west-facing windows. There are retractable versions of awnings that can be rolled up to allow maximum sunlight to pass through windows during winter.
Apart from the general heat reduction benefits of awnings, you can adjust the level of reflection they provide by either using opaque or tightly woven fabric to fully block sunlight.
In regions with extensive hot weather through much of the year, like Dubai, having the right kind of insulation is crucial for maintaining cozy living spaces. Al Nibras help customers across Dubai with their heat insulation needs right from the selection of fabric down to their installation.