0191 233 0818
Newcastle – 0191 233 0818Gateshead – 0191 4490069Sunderland – 0191 5580010Consett – 01207 670087Northumberland – 01661 560078Alnwick – 01665 494185Morpeth – 01670 720085sales@dealdirectblinds.co.uk

How Solar Shading Saves You Money

Rising energy costs and the need to reduce carbon footprints has made energy efficiency a top priority. Solar shading is a cost-effective solution to tackle overheating in high-performing buildings.

Controlling Light and glare

People naturally prefer daylight to other sources of illumination. Daylight has a positive effect on the biological rhythms. of our bodies, improving emotional and cognitive responses.
Proximity to natural elements such as greenery and sunlight has been associated with a 15% improvement in wellbeing and creativity, and a 6% increase in productivity, but excessive exterior light, or glare, can hinder visual comfort. There are regulations in place that require the attenuation of light at workstations.
Shading allows the most to be made of natural daylight and unlike solar control glass, which is a purely passive product, shading solutions can react to varying external conditions.

Reducing Heat loss

Glazing is a weak point in a building’s thermal performance and a major source of heat loss.
The ‘go-to’ solution would be to upgrade the glazing but shading should be the initial step, especially if there are building constraints, such as conservation areas, as shading helps provide insulation for glazed areas

Controlling HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning)

Window blinds reduce heat loss during the winter and heat gain in the summer, thereby reducing a building’s heating and cooling requirements. Air conditioning currently accounts for 10% of the global electricity use. With that figure increasing it can increase a building’s energy consumption (and associated carbon emissions) by up to 100%.
Shading can aid natural ventilation of buildings during warmer times of the year, if windows are opened. Modelling shows internal shading is an investment and can save up to 16% of HVAC energy.

Reducing heat gain

To be energy efficient, most modern buildings are highly insulated and ‘airtight’, but this significantly increases the risk of over-heating.
Overheating becomes more of a prominent problem with the reality of global warming, as higher temperatures are expected across the UK during the next 30 years, with heat related deaths tripling by 2050. Appropriately controlled shading can significantly minimise the risk of overheating

Creating a Productive Environment

We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, so ensuring such environments are comfortable is essential. Productivity is impacted by thermal comfort. Temperatures which are too low inhibit dexterity while temperatures that are too high result in perceived lower air quality and health implications, such as increased stress and blood pressure. Heat also facilitates the spread of infection and diseases, a massive risk in healthcare and childcare sectors. Performance affected from glare and reflections can cause eye strain and headaches.
Glazing is poor at preventing external sound entering our buildings, such as passing traffic or noisy neighbours. Inside, glazing acts as a hard surface allowing noise to rebound into the room. A softer furnishing at the window can absorb this sound, creating a more pleasant environment.
Shading, integrated into the building’s design, can help achieve thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. Neglecting these aspects of building design can result in overall reduced productivity, increased costs and more frequent sick leave.

  • Key Benefits
  • Reduced heat gain in summer.
  • Reduced heat loss in winter.
  • Controls daylight.
  • Controls glare.
  • Improved indoor air quality.
  • Reduced energy costs (heating, cooling and lighting).
  • Building compliance.
  • Privacy and security.
  • Maintaining views to the outside.
  • Allows more glazing to be used.
  • Reduced emissions.
  • High colour rendering index.
  • Improved acoustics.
  • Improved glass performance (improve don’t replace).
  • Improved thermal, visual and acoustic comfort improves overall well-being and productivity of staff.

Solar Shading Summary

If you are looking for Solar Shading then Deal Direct Blinds in Gateshead can help. We have a huge range of Plantation Shutters, Blinds, Awnings and shading solutions on display in their supersized showroom in Gateshead where you can get inspiration from the styles, colours and materials on show. We are the North East’s premier blind company and have been supplying homes and businesses with blinds and canopies for over 30 years. We are a dedicated family business and offer a hassle-free, free fitting service using our qualified fitters. Give us a call today on 0191 233 0818 and one of our team will be happy to help, or pop in and see us at our showroom in Gateshead:

Unit 4 Saltmeadows Road
Gateshead
Tyne & Wear
NE8 3AH