Can quality curtains save you money?
With the cost of living going up and up recently, how can we save money using soft furnishings that will not only save money using practical window dressings but enhance the appearance of your home.?
Homes in the Uk loose the largest of heat through the windows and doors; as large as 40% of our energy apparently! A window without curtains can loose 10% of heat compared to one with curtains. The warm air hitting the inner pane can transmit through to the outer pane lowering the temperature, therefore more energy is needed to preserve the heat. Tiny cracks around the window and door frames can also leak heat when curtains are not used. How can we best preserve the heat energy within our homes that is so cost effective its worth spending out initially?
Good quality, made to measure curtains can save up to 25% on energy bills if installed correctly.
There is a lot to consider…
• Which curtain lining should be used?
• Which track or pole can help with insulation?
• How long and wide should my curtain be?
Save Energy;
• Insulating Curtain Linings
1.THERMAL LININGS are an obvious choice; they are 210g/m thicker than standard cotton lining and feature an acrylic foam between the three layers. These layers prevent the cool air penetrating through the curtain fabric and saving heat loss.
2. INTERLINING is used frequently nowadays, not only for cosmetic benefits; to add a luxury thickness but also for its brilliant thermal qualities. There are several different thicknesses and types of interlinings; a natural ‘Domett’ is a thinner but very effective interlining I personally use frequently; it can be purchased ‘pre-shrunk’ which is preferable as its natural fibres can shrink over time and distort the curtain. It is sewn between the fabric and lining to bulk out the layers which acts as a barrier between the cold air from the glazing and the warm air inside, just like a blanket.
• Installation to optimise saving energy
To create an optical thermal barrier there are installation considerations;
1. If possible, take the track to the ceiling and drape the curtains to the floor to create a complete window barrier.
2. Don’t cover a radiator with curtain as the heat will stay in the recess of the window and not in the room itself. Consider using two window dressings to optimise the barrier or move the radiator!!
3. Take the track at least 30cm past the width of the window if possible. This allows full coverage during winter and full exposure through the daytime to allow the heat into the room.
4. Fit a track rather than a pole as poles leave a gap at the heading, which will allow cold air to enter the room.
5. Consider blinds or voiles within the recess for additional layering.
• Natural instulating Curtain fabrics
Thin fabrics provide very little insulation properties without interlining or thermal lining. If layering isn’t an option for any reason, consider using naturally thermal fabrics during winter especially;
- Wool.
- Velvet.
- Tweed.
• Extra insulating window treatments
Other window treatments may be considered if windows are single glazed and particularly draughty;
- Fitting a track with board to encase the top of window; for fitting a pelmet or valance.
- Fitting Perfect fit blinds directly onto window frame.
- Adding a roman blind inside recess
- Fitting additional voiles or blinds.
- Using extra widths in curtain if heading allows.
- Adding a return to outside edge of curtain to allow curtain to sit closer to wall.
• Insulating curtains benefits cooler rooms through Summer too!
Thermal curtains aren’t wasted on the summer months. In recent years we have had some pretty hot summers! The use of fans and air conditioning adding to the energy being used.
Drawing the curtains during hot days can keep the temperature much cooler than leaving open. By lining the fabric with a light coloured lining, the heat can be reflected outwards rather than the sun trapping the heat indoors. Blinds are also available now with UV reflecting fabrics which may also be beneficial.
If you have a window treatment you wish to discuss, let us know; we would love to help! We offer free consultations and may even help you save money on energy costs and help towards saving the environment too.
CONTACT US for help saving energy using quality curtains and blinds
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