As the winter months approach, everyone is looking for new ways to save heat and reduce heating bills. But did you know that the window treatments you use in your home can have an impact on your heating bills?
Even triple-glazed windows that are perfectly fit can allow in drafts when outside temperatures drop below freezing. Window dressings, however, can provide additional insulation.
Although blinds and curtains may not be your first choice for insulation improvements, they can make a big difference. Yvonne Keal is senior product manager at Hillarys. Despite all of us insulate our roofs and walls, 20% of heat loss from our homes comes through our windows. "Yet, most homeowners never take the necessary steps to insulate these vital features.
It shouldn't surprise that window coverings made of thin material are not going to provide warmth. However, thick curtains with lined edges will keep you warm throughout the winter. You can get thermal blinds that keep heat in if you are a fan of blinds.
Although it might seem like a huge commitment to make a difference, switching up your curtains or blinds will help you save money year after year. We asked experts to give us some tips on how window dressings can make a big difference. For more details to visit puntogar.com
Lilith HudsonJunior Writer
Lilith is an expert in following the latest trends and news from interior design. Her goal is to help readers make the best decisions in their homes by providing practical tips and guides that can save them a little money. She spoke to experts in window dressings for this article.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY THROUGH YOUR WINDOW DRESSINGS
1. INVEST IN THERMAL-LINED CURTAINS
Most people keep the same curtains in their homes throughout the year. However, switching to thermal lined curtains in winter can save you a lot of money.
Yvonne, Hillarys explains that thermal linings on curtains can create a cozy, insulating layer which can reduce heat loss up to 39% more than a standard polyester cotton lining. To improve the thermal properties of your curtains, you can pair thermal linings with thicker curtains fabrics like velvet.
The ready-made thermal liner for curtains by Amazon (opens in new window) is very easy to attach to existing curtains.
It's a smart idea to buy made-to-measure curtains to effectively fight a draught. Helen O'Connor, 247 Blinds product manager, and 247 Curtains' open in a new tab, explains that curtains should be hung to the ground in order to maximize their heating capabilities.
A pair of heavy curtains can instantly transform a space from being practical to feeling more cozy. A living-room curtain idea is the traditional form of window dressing. It can create a cozy and warm atmosphere in a space by adding visual warmth.
2. UPGRADE TO THERMAL LINDS
Blinds aren't as heavy as curtains, and they use less material. This is why it's common to believe that blinds offer less warmth. Thermal lined blinds can be manufactured by many brands and are just as effective at keeping out the cold as the curtains.
Helen says that thermal lined roman blinds can be a great window solution for keeping the cold out if your home is cold in the winter and fall. Thermal roller blinds can be used to retain warmth, but vertical blinds are not suitable for thermal materials.
Thermal blinds don't need to be heavy or bulky. The latest developments in insulation materials have made it possible to use a thin reflective coating or interlining on the fabric's back to create a thermal barrier. Yvonne points out that this additional layer of wadding can increase the insulation properties by as much as 50% compared with a standard lining.
You can reduce heat loss by learning how reverse roll a blind. By fitting them in the window's recess, so they are closer to the glass, heat can be absorbed less around the blind's material.
Honeycomb blinds are a great idea for those who live in colder areas. This blind, also known as cellular, pleated or pleated blinds traps warm air in crafted pockets of folded material. It is the most effective blind for keeping out heat. This blind has one drawback: it is difficult to display patterns due to its folded effect.
3. SHUTTER IN THE HEAT
Shutters can be a more expensive investment than curtains or blinds, but they also make great heat-regulators. This living-room window treatment is great for keeping your home cool during the summer, but it also works in both winter and summer.
Yvonne says that they fit snugly into the window recess and help to reduce draughts. They can reduce heat loss up to 62% when closed.
Shutters and curtains can be combined to provide double protection against cold in older homes. Yvonne says that window treatment layers not only provide flexible light control, but also maximize energy efficiency. She recommends adding thermal linings to curtains and blinds. Textured curtains offer a more comfortable alternative to solid shutters.