The night sky effect and how external blinds can reduce your power bills
The night sky effect is a phenomenon where buildings lose a significant amount of heat during the night. This occurs because heat radiates from the warmer surface of the building to the cooler open night sky. The process is more pronounced in clear, cloudless skies where there are fewer obstructions to absorb and reradiate the heat back to the building.
The night sky effect is often seen in the mornings as condensation on the outside of windows. Correspondingly, high amounts of dew will appear on lawns. You may also notice that condensation rarely happens on overcast nights because the clouds reradiate energy back to the building. It is also of interest that high-performance glass, such as double glazing, is more affected by condensation, and the bigger the view of the sky, the more impacted a window is by the night sky effect!
Compensating for this heat loss to maintain higher comfort levels inside the home can contribute to higher energy bills as heating systems work harder to maintain indoor temperatures. One effective way to mitigate this heat loss is through the use of external blinds. Typically known for their ability to control light and shade during the summer, external blinds have another important function: they serve as a thermal barrier. When closed, these blinds create an additional layer of insulation that reduces the transfer of heat from the building’s interior to the outside environment.
How external blinds work
External blinds are installed on the outside of windows and can be adjusted to various positions to suit different needs. Made from materials such as aluminium, timber, or special fabrics that cope with high UV and heat, these blinds can significantly impact the thermal efficiency of a building. When external blinds are closed at night, they trap a layer of air between the window and the blind. Air is a poor conductor of heat, meaning that trapped air acts as an insulating barrier. This reduces the cooling effect of the night sky, thus preserving the warmth inside the building.
External blinds reduce the cooling effect of the night sky, thus preserving the warmth inside the building.
Benefits beyond heat retention
The advantages of external blinds extend beyond heat retention. By reducing the amount of heat loss, they lower the need for artificial heating, thus saving energy and reducing costs. Additionally, this method is eco-friendly as it decreases the building’s carbon footprint. External blinds will also reduce heat gain in summer, provide an element of privacy, and control glare and UV radiation.
The night sky effect can be a challenging obstacle in maintaining a warm, energy-efficient home. However, external blinds can offer a practical and cost-effective solution to this issue. By acting as an additional layer of insulation, they significantly reduce heat loss, contributing to energy savings and enhanced comfort. To find out more about external blinds and reducing your energy bills, book a free site consultation at Rollenta.
