Lower Blinds & Close curtains at 5:30 PM to slash Energy Bills, Experts Say
BUENOS AIRES – A simple, no-cost habit – lowering blinds and closing curtains around 5:30 p.m. – can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve home comfort during colder months, according to energy efficiency experts and recommendations from the IDAE (Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving).
The advice stems from the fact that windows are a major source of heat loss in homes, particularly when unprotected. By creating an additional insulating barrier with blinds and curtains, homeowners can trap interior heat and delay the need to turn on heating systems.
“Blinds act as an additional barrier between the inside and outside, especially if they are thermal or made of insulating materials,” the article explains.Lowering them in the late afternoon creates an air chamber that reduces cold transfer through the glass. Leaving windows exposed after dark allows them to cool rapidly, forcing earlier heating activation and increased energy use.
Closing curtains together adds a second layer of insulation, with dense or thick fabrics further retaining heat and blocking cold drafts.While not a replacement for quality windows or blinds, this practise complements their function and slows temperature loss.
The IDAE supports this recommendation, highlighting the notable impact windows have on overall home energy efficiency. Adopting this daily habit is particularly beneficial for homes with older windows, apartments with limited sun exposure, and those seeking to control energy costs.
Combined with other energy-saving practices like brief ventilation and sealing air leaks, lowering blinds and closing curtains can contribute to “a notable saving” on winter energy bills.
