Don't tuck curtains behind the radiator, use
For maximum effectiveness, install a cornice at the top of a drapery or place the drapery against the ceiling. Then seal the drapery at both sides and overlap it in the center. You can use Velcro or magnetic tape to attach drapes to the wall at the sides and bottom. Taking these steps will further reduce heat loss.
More to explore Don't locate curtains or drapes directly over or in front of electric heaters. Keep drapes and curtains at least 8-10'' above electric baseboards, and/or at least 3'' in front of them with 1'' floor clearance (to allow air to circulate).
Put up something (long, smooth bar, or stretched rope) to hold the bottom of the curtains tightly against the wall. No deflectors needed, and reduces air cooling against the cold window surfaces by blocking circulation behind the curtains.
Coverings and shading
External shading is much more effective at keeping your home cool than internal blinds or curtains, as it stops the heat reaching the glass, but using both external and internal window coverings will provide maximum protection.
Consider covering your windows with aluminum foil for a quick and budget-friendly solution. This reflective material efficiently blocks out light and is readily available.
Blinds Versus Curtains
In general, curtains are better for retaining heat in the home. However, by choosing a thermal blind you can reduce heat loss from your home by 20-40%, while thermal curtains reduce heat loss by just 25%-30%.
When the heating is on, you ideally want to keep floor length curtains open. If the curtains are closed when the radiator is on, the heat will get trapped behind the curtains. So instead of the heat circulating into the room, it will likely leave through the cold window glass.
Block Off the Vent: You can block the vent by placing a piece of furniture at the opening or purchasing a magnetic damper that's strong enough to stick to the steel on the wall or ceiling. Plastic sheeting can be placed over the opening as well. You can also install a vent grille filter.
Efficiency and Air Flow
Placing the heat vents beneath the windows is actually best for efficiency and proper airflow.
Based on some brief research, we found that, in general, code dictates drapery is to be hung 3" away from the front of your electric baseboard heater.
During colder months, closing your blinds or curtains can help with heat retention, keeping your home warmer at night.
If you are trying to improve energy efficiency in your home, thermal curtains at your windows can help reduce fuel use, lower utility bills and improve indoor comfort. Thermal curtains are also available as blackout, using this option has the added capability of blocking light from entering a room.
Take advantage of your windows—and your curtains, blinds, and shades. When it's sunny out, open your window coverings to take advantage of the sun's free warmth. But don't forget to close them at night—when drawn, standard curtains can reduce a room's heat loss by 10%.
Just because you cover the air vent, it doesn't indicate your HVAC system knows that. It will certainly continue to release air to those vents, and also if they're closed, you might cause a buildup of atmospheric pressure and not enough air movement which can damage your system.
Butterfly Flat Dish Dampers (BFD) – HVAC Dampers
The butterfly flat dish damper is shaped like a circle with two semicircles attached to it. The semicircles are called flaps, and they open and close to direct airflow through a system.
Once you access the trunkline, you will find the damper lever, which is attached directly to the duct. To adjust the damper lever, you will need to turn it to the left or right. If you want to close the damper, you will need to turn the damper lever in the opposite direction of the duct.
Fit a deep sill or shelf over the radiator, and position your curtains so that they touch the shelf. By touching the shelf your curtains will minimise draught from your windows, and the shelf will act to push the radiator heat out into your room, rather than into the void between the curtains and window.
It might seem as though the darker curtains would keep out more heat because of all the light they're blocking. However, dark colours will in fact draw heat into the room, which is not what you want during summer. Therefore, choosing lighter colours is going to be far more beneficial when trying to keep your room cool.
Sunbrella fabrics range in weight, but thicker options like Alma, a heavyweight-linen-like material, and Velarte, a durable canvas, are great choices for curtains to keep heat out.
Absolutely. Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. For keeping heat inside the home, high-quality curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%, particularly if they are floor length and close to the wall and window panes.
Cardboard and Aluminium Foil
Consider using cardboard and aluminium foil for a temporary and highly budget-friendly solution. Cut the cardboard to fit your window panes and cover it with aluminium foil to reflect sunlight.