Internal Blinds

  • 4 Jun 2015

What are they?

Internal window blinds reduce the amount of ‘solar gain’ (or heat) entering a space, cutting glare and reducing the requirement for cooling.  This is particularly useful on north and west facing façades.

Advantages / Disadvantages

  • Reduces the need for air conditioning
  • Reduces natural light, therefore increases the need for artificial lighting.

Energy efficiency

Internal blinds reduce the cooling demand in a building, thereby saving energy.  The level of energy saving will depend on the level of solar gain avoided and how the blinds are used by tenants.

Running costs

Internal blinds have minimal maintenance requirements, although older installations may require some restoration.

Retrofit / improvement opportunities

Internal blinds are easy to retrofit with minimal disruption to tenants.

Applicable buildings

All building types.

Floor plate implications

None.

Temperature control / Occupant comfort

Will improve temperature control and comfort if used effectively.

Maintenance implications

Low maintenance costs. Blinds need to be kept in full working order and require regular cleaning.

Identification

Venetian, vertical or roller blinds fitted on the internal face of windows.  Some buildings have venetian blinds located between the inner and outer panes of the window.

Questions to ask

  • Are there areas of the building where solar glare is a problem?
  • Have blinds been fitted and if so when were they fitted?
  • How old are the blinds and what is their general condition?

More information

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