PVC Strip Curtain Energy Savings: How Much Can You Save on Heating Bills?

cost savingShopify API

Last updated: April 2026

With commercial and industrial energy prices in the UK remaining significantly elevated, reducing heat loss at building openings has become a serious operational priority. PVC strip curtains are one of the highest-ROI energy efficiency measures available — fast to install, low-cost, and effective.

How Heat Is Lost at Building Openings

Heat is lost through two mechanisms: infiltration (cold air entering as warm air exits — the stack effect) and wind-driven air exchange. Published data from CIBSE and BSRIA testing indicates that a well-fitted PVC strip curtain reduces infiltration air change rates by 60–75% and heat loss through an opening by 60–70% overall.

Sample Calculations

Small Workshop (1 opening, 3m × 3m)

  • Heat loss without strip curtain: ~8,500 kWh/year ≈ £510/year (gas at 6p/kWh)
  • Heat loss with strip curtain (70% reduction): ~2,550 kWh/year ≈ £153/year
  • Annual saving: ~£357
  • Strip curtain cost: ~£200–£280
  • Payback: 7–9 months

Medium Distribution Warehouse (10 loading bays)

  • Heat loss without strip curtains: ~120,000 kWh/year ≈ £6,600/year
  • With strip curtains: ~36,000 kWh/year ≈ £1,980/year
  • Annual saving: ~£4,620
  • Installation cost (10 bays): ~£2,500–£3,500
  • Payback: 6–9 months

Cold Store (1 cold room, 2m × 2m opening at -18°C)

  • Refrigeration energy wasted: ~15,000 kWh/year ≈ £4,200/year (electricity at 28p/kWh)
  • With polar grade strip curtain (75% reduction): ~£1,050/year
  • Annual saving: ~£3,150
  • Strip curtain cost: ~£150–£200
  • Payback: 3–4 weeks

The Cold Store Calculation Explained

Cold stores have the fastest payback because: the temperature differential is much larger (e.g., 38°C vs 15°C for a heated warehouse); refrigeration electricity is significantly more expensive per kWh than gas heating; and warm air ingress causes frost build-up, triggering additional defrost cycles.

ESOS and Carbon Reporting

Under ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme), qualifying UK companies must report significant energy efficiency opportunities. Strip curtain installations at unprotected large openings are frequently identified in ESOS phase reports. Document your installations for SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) to demonstrate tangible emissions reduction.

Use our PVC Strip Curtains UK range to find the right specification for your project.

Tags: Cost saving, Energy efficiency, Energy saving, Esos, Heat loss, Heating bills, Hvac, Roi