Thick curtains are one of the main ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option, says Brennand. "The thicker the better," adds Archna Luthra, consumer analyst at moneysavingexpert.com.
Yes! Thermal curtains work effectively during both winter and summer. Medium- to light-colored curtains with a white, thermally reflective backing can reduce heat gain during the summer by as much as 33% by reflecting solar radiation. The orientation of the window also affects energy efficiency.
It really works, and it can increase a window's insulation for many months. Additionally, insulation film lets in sunlight—which can further warm a window. This side benefit is commonly overlooked, but it's incredibly valuable. Any natural heat gain is beneficial—reducing a heating system's work throughout the day.
You can apply the plastic for windows in two ways, from the inside and the outside of your window. Since adverse weather conditions impact the outside of your window, you should use stronger plastic if you place it there. It needs to withstand strong winds, snow, blizzards, and heavy rains.
The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Duck brand Shrink Film Window Insulation Kit and 3M Window Insulator Kit are two readily available options.
Bubble wrap is often used to insulate greenhouse windows in the winter, but it also seems to work fine for windows in the house. You can use it with or without regular or insulating window shades. It also works for windows of irregular shape, which can be difficult to find insulating shades for.
On double glazed windows, bubble wrap insulation does have some effect - up to 20% improvement in heat loss. By insulating single glazed window pane with bubblewrap, you can reduce up to 50% of heat loss. It is easy and fun to install, a few minutes per window is more than enough.
The benefits are significant. Honeycomb shades can block heat about as well as a 1/8 inch sheet of insulated foam. Their R-value (or, their ability to insulate against heat flow) ranges between 2 and 5. In comparison, a typical double pane window has an R-value of 1.8.
Plastic window film covers can reduce drafts and make your home feel warmer during the winter. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to reduce condensation buildup and lower energy bills. Window wraps can also seal air leaks around the window, when those leaks extend over woodwork.
Not only does moisture in the air make your living space feel uncomfortable, but it also can lead to the growth of mold. Adding a layer of plastic sheeting over your windows will generally stop winter condensation, but there is more to the equation.
You measure your window glass, cut the film to size and apply it to the glass. For an even cheaper DIY option, some people apply cling film to the windows, and then seal it with tape or the heat of a hair dryer.
But what's the difference between blackout and thermal curtains? In short, blackout curtains are primarily designed to blackout a room by reducing the amount of light that can enter through the window. Thermal curtains, on the other hand, are primarily designed to reduce heat loss from a room's windows.
Thermal curtains are an extra layer of insulation you can use to make your home more energy efficient. The best thermal curtains consist of multiple layers of fabric with thick padding that prevents air from circulating from your window into your home.
Blackout curtains often refer to drapes that are made of a double-lined, tightly woven fabric. Blackout curtains are designed to block light completely. The only way light gets into a room with blackout curtains is through gaps around the window.
As regards to its insulation properties, cardboard is actually a great insulator as it has poor thermal conductivity. The definition of conductivity is actually the property of a material to transmit energy.