Energy-saving curtains in UAE homes
Table of Contents
- 1 How a curtain reduces the heat in a room (simple science)
- 2 Thermal, blackout, reflective – how much energy does each save?
- 3 How much does the energy bill decrease? (AC cost math in AED)
- 4 Which curtain for which room? (room-based buying guide)
- 5 Which color reduces heat (UAE climate logic)
- 6 Energy-saving curtains vs blinds vs window film
- 7 How much does it cost in the UAE (AED range + value logic)
- 8 Where can I find it in Abu Dhabi?
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions❓
In the UAE, running the AC accounts for 60–70% of a home’s total electricity use. Especially in apartments with large glass windows or west-facing balconies, the afternoon sun’s heat can enter the room, further raising the temperature. As a result, the AC runs longer, and the DEWA bill rises rapidly.
Installing double glazing, insulated panels, or new HVAC to keep your home cool can be expensive, but installing the right energy-saving curtains is the most cost-effective way to keep heat out. Without any renovation, simply changing the curtains can reduce the AC load, cool the home faster, and significantly reduce your monthly bill.
How a curtain reduces the heat in a room (simple science)
Curtains create an additional thermal barrier in front of the window, preventing hot outdoor air and sunlight from entering the room directly. A dense fabric or thermal lining creates an air-pocket layer inside, trapping heat and preventing cold air from escaping the room.
Thermal, blackout, reflective – how much energy does each save?
| Curtain type | Heat block % | Temp drop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackout | Blocks 90–99% of light and sun | 2–4°C lower felt temperature | Bedroom, media room, afternoon nap |
| Thermal lined | Retains 45–60% of heat | 1–2°C decrease | Living room, office, general use |
| Reflective / UV-coated | Reflects about 80% of UV rays | 1–3°C lower | Large glass window, west-facing room |
| Sheer + blackout layered | Controllable (sheer open, blackout close) | Depends on layering | Homes needing daylight + heat control |
How much does the energy bill decrease? (AC cost math in AED)
A 1.5-ton split AC runs for 8 hours a day. In reality, an AC of this size draws an average of ≈1.4–1.8 kW of electricity (let’s say 1.5 kW).
Then the monthly consumption is ≈ 1.5 kW × 8 h × 30 days = 360 kWh.
If your effective unit rate is ~AED 0.30–0.45/kWh, then the monthly cost of that single AC is ≈ AED 108–162.
What are the savings of installing blackout/thermal curtains?
- AC cycle reduced by 15–30% → energy saved ≈ 54–108 kWh/month
- Save in money ≈ AED 16–49/month (assuming rate 30–0.45)
Effect of Thermostat Shift
With curtains, the room is usually 1–4°C cooler in the afternoon. As a result, setting the thermostat from 21°C → 24°C results in an additional bill drop of ≈12–18%.
Assuming a conservative combined calculation:
- Curtains (15–30%) + Thermostat Shift (12–18%) → Approximately ≈20–35% savings excluding overlap (depending on usage).
Villa vs Apartment
- Villa: Large windows/sliding doors, more sun exposure → higher savings (larger absolute cut in AED).
- Apartment: Especially in west-facing rooms, the benefit is greater at noon; you can feel it by installing blackout + thermal lining on small windows.
Which curtain for which room? (room-based buying guide)
| Room | Best curtain type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 100% blackout + thermal lining | The room cools quickly, the lights go out, and sleep deepens. |
| Living room | Dual-layer (sheer + thermal) | Provides light during the day, blocks heat at noon |
| Kids room | UV-block + breathable fabric | Skin protection, the room does not heat up, and less dust is collected |
| Kitchen open window | Reflective + washable curtain | Sun + cooking heat + oil takes care of everything. |
| Glass balcony / sliding door | Ceiling-mount blackout + reflective liner | The most heat enters through large glass; this is where the strongest barrier is needed. |
Which color reduces heat (UAE climate logic)
It’s not enough to use heavy curtains in the summer; if the color and liner aren’t right, they won’t block the heat.
Light colors reflect more heat.
- Colors like white, beige, cream, and light grey reflect sunlight.
- Dark colors (black, navy, maroon) absorb heat, increasing the AC’s load.
- Having a light shade on the outside-facing side increases energy savings.
Energy-saving curtains vs blinds vs window film
| Option | Heat block | Cost | Removable? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy-saving curtains | 45–99% (depending on fabric + lining) | Medium to high | Easy to remove | Bedroom, living room, rental flats |
| Blinds (roller/venetian) | 30–65% (blocks light, but low insulation) | Medium | (if screwless) | Office look, small windows |
| Window film (UV/blackout) | 70–90% heat + UV block | Low to medium | If static-cling | Glass wall, balcony door, renters |
How much does it cost in the UAE (AED range + value logic)
The price of energy-saving curtains depends on the fabric, liner, size, and customization. The general range is as follows:
| Curtain type | Avg cost (AED/m) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made blackout | 70–120 AED/m | Suitable for bedrooms, renters |
| Thermal lining add-on | +35–50 AED/m | They add additional insulation to the existing curtain. |
| Reflective / UV-coated fabric | 90–150 AED/m | Works best on glass walls or west-facing windows |
| Custom blackout + thermal combo | 150–250 AED/m | Perfect size, ceiling-mount, full energy control |
On average, replacing curtains in a room costs AED 500–900, and monthly AC bill savings can be AED 25–60. So the payback period is usually 9–24 months, after which it’s straight profit.
Where can I find it in Abu Dhabi?
Energy-saving curtains are generally less available as ready-made, as they have to be custom-made according to size, layering, and liner. Many in Abu Dhabi use custom measurement, stitching, and fitting services to ensure proper insulation. If you want, you can also check the color and fabric by looking at the sample swatch first.
If you want to install blackout, thermal-lined, or reflective energy-saving curtains in Abu Dhabi, make a booking now!
Frequently Asked Questions❓
Yes, AC runtime can be reduced by up to 15–30%, depending on the room and window orientation.
Using the right blackout or thermal curtain can reduce room temperature by an average of 1–4°C.
Light shades. White or beige reflects heat best.
Very few. They reduce privacy and glare, but do not block heat.
Yes, you can use tension rods, stick-on hooks, or removable blackout film.
