Window protection to reduce your electricity bill

As users, we often feel that we cannot do anything to avoid increases in energy bills. We feel powerless and start having to evaluate actions aimed at reducing our consumption.

One of the fundamental actions to opt for when trying to make your home as energy efficient as possible is window protection, as windows are the main hole in the house through which heat escapes in winter, and coolness escapes in summer.

At a time when the concept of passive housing is starting to become popular, everyone already seems to understand that reducing thermal bridges to a minimum can, depending on a multitude of factors, lead to energy savings of up to 90%.

And although the reality is very far from that figure, which can only be attributed to architecture that is developed from its foundations up based on a passivhaus philosophy, the truth is that, according to the Spanish Consumers and Users Organisation, between 25 and 30% of energy spending on air conditioning and heating could be avoided with improved window protection.

In this way, given that the average cost of electricity for a Spanish family of four is 840 Euro per year, the potential saving would stand at 252 Euro. So, the family would only pay approximately 588 Euro for their electricity bill if they achieved a thermal transmission level of 1W/m² through their windows.

This amount could be even lower if, in addition to blinds and curtains, thermal insulation systems were installed on the façade of the building. These systems, such as lattice slats or Saxun awnings, would prevent the sun from falling directly on the façade.

These systems are designed to improve the life of users and increase comfort, while reducing the much-feared electricity bill.