How Internal Window Coverings Influence Energy Use and Home Comfort

In Australian homes, windows transfer a lot of energy. So, using internal window coverings is key to controlling temperature and ensuring comfort. According to the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, uncovered windows can lead to a loss of up to 40% of heating energy. On the other hand, during hot seasons, as much as 87% of the heat gain in a house can be due to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌glazing.

Understanding how internal window covers affect energy use can greatly reduce consumption. They also create a more pleasant environment year-round.

The Science Behind Window Heat Transfer

Before diving into the details of different types of internal window coverings, knowing how windows lose and get heat is a must. A single pane of bare glass can let out or in up to 10 times more heat than a similarly sized area of an insulated wall.

Heat travels through windows in three main ways:

• Conduction: Warmth moves through the glass and frame.

• Convection: Air currents carry heat.

• Radiation: The sun shines warmth through the glass.

Internal window coverings are basically insulating barriers that stop the heat transfer from these different ways. Since these treatments trap layers of still air between the window and the room, they very much cut down thermal exchange. Glasgow Caledonian University studies show that well-fitting internal window coverings can cut heat loss by 40 to 51%. The exact reduction depends on the material and installation method.

Internal Plantation Shutters: Premium Thermal Performance

Internal​‍​‌‍​‍‌ plantation shutters are undoubtedly one of the most energy-saving window treatment options you can get. These hard-panel covers have adjustable louvres. This feature gives you great control over lighting, air circulation, and temperature.

How Internal Plantation Shutters Reduce Energy Consumption

Studies at the University of Newcastle School of Engineering show that internal plantation shutters can provide up to 10% more insulation than regular curtains. When installed snugly next to the window frame, internal plantation shutters seal the window well. This keeps warm air inside and stops cold air from coming in.

The heat saving quality of internal plantation shutters is due to both their manufacture and how they are fitted. Internal plantation shutters fit tightly against the window reveal. Unlike soft fabric treatments, they have no air gaps. These shutters are either built in or fitted closely, ensuring a snug fit. Research shows that these coverings can cut heat transfer by 20-58%. This depends on the amount of air exchange between the window and the shutter panel.

Material Considerations for Maximum Efficiency

Several building materials are used in the manufacture of internal plantation shutters, each having different thermal properties. Wood-based products are good insulators because wood has a low thermal conductivity by nature. The PVC variants have a cellular structure. This traps air inside, which boosts their insulation capacity. Aluminium internal plantation shutters are not as insulating as wood or PVC. However, they work well in moist areas and near the sea.

A customer in New South Wales can choose from a complete range of internal plantation shutters. These shutters are designed for Australia's unique climate and are offered by Blinds by Design. Their custom-fitting expertise ensures that the treatments achieve maximum thermal performance. This way, the efficiency of the gaps won’t be compromised.

Internal Timber Shutters: Natural Insulation Excellence

Internal wooden shutters are a top choice for window decor. They look great and work well, making them one of the best options available. The mentioned wood types: Basswood, Cedar, and Paulownia are materials that, due to their natural insulation properties, make internal wooden shutters very suitable for saving ​‍​‌‍​‍‌energy.

Thermal Properties of Wood

Wood's microscopic structure is made up of many small air pockets that are very good at stopping the flow of heat. In contrast to highly conductive materials like aluminium or steel, wood is a poor thermal conductor by nature. That's why internal wooden shutters are great at keeping the house's temperature steady. They do this without needing extra insulation.

Studies show that internal timber shutters have the potential to lower the heat flux to a great extent if they are airtight in the window frames. Moreover, the breathable nature of wood helps to keep the air more humid, enhancing overall comfort even when condensation forms on the single-glazed windows.

Customisation and Installation Quality

How well internal wooden shutters work is largely a matter of their accurate measuring and expert fitting. Made-to-measure solutions from Blinds by Design ensure that shutters fit perfectly in your window recesses. This enhances the insulating air gap and reduces light leakage and thermal bridging at the edges.

Even the colour of the internal wooden shutters has an impact on their thermal performance. Light-colored wooden shutters reflect more sunlight than dark ones. This makes them ideal for west and north-facing windows that receive strong afternoon sun. The University of Newcastle, School of Engineering, confirmed that light shutter panels reflect much more energy to the outside environment.

To Sum Up

One of the cheapest energy-efficient measures for Australian families is internal window coverings. Good internal plantation and timber shutters can cut heat flow through windows by 30-50%. This leads to lower heating and cooling costs. Plus, they boost comfort all year round.

No matter if you’re in the Central West, Blue Mountains, or Lake Macquarie, Blinds by Design offers the expertise and products to enhance your windows for local weather. Their focus on perfect installation and customer service ensures that internal window coverings provide the energy efficiency and comfort you’ve been seeking.