Showing posts with label insulated curtains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insulated curtains. Show all posts
Friday, February 18, 2011
Winter Window Warmers
Insulated Window Treatments Conserve Energy, Increase ComfortIf rising fuel and heating prices have you searching this winter for energy-saving alternatives that are easy on your already tight budget, consider insulated window treatments. No matter where you live, these specialty drapes will help cut your energy and heating costs while adding a little style to any room.
One of the biggest areas of heat loss in most homes is drafty old windows and doors. Even tiny openings can suck out a significant amount of heat, forcing your home’s heating and cooling system to work harder and costing you more money on utilities. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to remedy the situation without spending thousands of dollars on new windows.
First, be sure your windows and doors are sealed as well as possible. Re-caulk and replace worn weather stripping to fix drafts. After all, putting up insulated window treatments won’t do much to combat ill-fitting widow sashes and door seals.
Once you have ensured that all the windows in your house are sealed up tight, there are lots of options for insulating your home with window treatments.
Cellular Shades:
Many of the industry’s top manufacturers now market cellular shades that incorporate single, double, and triple layers of cells to absorb drafts and stop heating or cooling loss. These shades are available in a variety of light control strengths, from semi-opaque to blackout. In terms of style, there is a wide range and you should not have any trouble finding something to complement your décor.
Insulated Drapes:
This is another great way to insulate your home without sacrificing style. Choose a heavy fabric to ensure the best possible result, or consider combining an insulated shade with coordinating traditional curtains for a more customized look. For the ultimate energy savings, pair insulated drapes with cellular shades to restrict heating and cooling loss nearly completely.
Plantation Shutters:
Often used simply for aesthetic purposes on a home’s exterior, plantation shutters actually do a fairly decent job insulating windows and preventing heat and energy loss. Composite or vinyl shutters are particularly effective for insulation. While plantation shutters cannot quite compare to cellular shades or insulated drapes, they do offer a decent amount of insulation when fully closed.
Additional Winter Window and Heating Tips:
No matter which kind of insulated window treatment you choose, be sure to install it as flush with the panes as possible. This will ensure the treatment is able to perform as effectively as possible.
Budget and style preferences will typically dictate which kind of insulated window treatment you select for your home heating and comfort needs. Though the most expensive, triple layer cellular shades are the most efficient and may be especially helpful if you live in a really cold climate.
Over time, any investment in insulated window treatments will pay for itself in a relatively short time thanks to heating savings and general comfort. You will pay less on your heating and energy bills and will be able to enjoy the perfect indoor temperature throughout your home.
Insulated window treatments can be found at most retailers including home improvement stores, discount stores, department stores, and specialty home interiors stores.
Related Heating and Energy Information from Horizon Services...
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Put Up Curtains to Bring Down Heating & Air Conditioning Costs!
In these tough economic times, we’re all looking for ways to tighten our budgets and save a little money. At home, one of the most effective ways to cut your energy costs is also one of the least expensive: insulated curtains.
Insulated curtains keep drafts out and cut down on heat exchange -- the process by which heated or cooled air leaves your home and warm or cold air comes in. This is the number one cause of energy loss in most homes. By reducing heat exchange, insulated curtains help keep the temperature inside your home constant without taxing your heating and air conditioning system. You’ll save on electricity usage and monthly utility costs.
There are various types of insulated curtains, each with a different degree of protection against warm or cool air loss. However, most include several layers meant to help regulate your home’s temperature. There’s an outer decorative layer to match the décor in your room, an inner lining, a layer of high-density foam that blocks sound and heat exchange, a reflective vapor barrier that prevents moisture build-up, and another reflective layer that holds air in the room. Many insulated curtains also have a magnetic strip sewn into the edge seams that help form a tighter seal around the window, adding another layer of protection against heat exchange.
There are many benefits to using insulated curtains.
In warm weather, keeping insulated curtains closed during the day blocks the sun’s heat. You’ll use less air conditioning because you’ll be letting less heat into the house. In winter, keeping the curtains open during the day will let in heat from the sun. Closing curtains at night traps that heat in your home, and you’ll be able to turn the thermostat down and use less heating. Both of these methods reduce the strain on your home’s heating and air conditioning system, saving significant energy and money.
Another benefit of insulated curtains is that they provide superior soundproofing for your home. Outside noises stay out, and inside noises stay in. Though they probably won’t prevent the neighbor’s blasting stereo noise from entering your home, for annoying ambient sounds like lawn mowers, barking dogs and loud passing vehicles they do make a great addition. You’ll find insulated curtains especially useful in bedrooms or kids’ rooms where a little extra quiet tends to come in very handy.
Insulated curtains come in a variety of patterns, fabrics, colors, thicknesses, and durability. They can be easily purchased at most home goods, discount or department stores or from online specialty shops. With so many options it’s easy to find a style that’s sure to suit your taste and room décor. Most can be hung from any standard curtain rod, though heavier curtains may call for a sturdier hanging device. Taking care of insulated curtains is no more difficult than caring for regular window treatments. Regular light vacuuming will keep them free of dust and looking like new. Tough stains wear may require occasional dry cleaning.
For significant energy savings without the substantial investment of replacing or upgrading your home’s heating and air conditioning system, give insulated curtains a try. You'll have it made in the shade!
Related Information from Horizon Services...
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