These thick, extra layers of fabric against your window create a thermal boundary between the outdoor air coming in through and the room itself. So the curtain traps the cold or hot air behind the fabric panels and keeps it from moving around your space.
One of the most effective solutions is to use blackout curtains. These curtains are specifically designed to block light and offer superior insulation, making them perfect for keeping the heat out and retaining cool air.
There is between 10-25% of thermal energy lost through your windows, thermal curtains reduce this amount of heat transfer by 25%. This helps keep your rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter while also reducing your energy bills.
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.
White or light coloured curtains and blinds are better at reflecting heat and light away from your home. If you have thick, dark curtains, closing them will only trap heat in the room.
There isn't a fast and hard rule for this, it would seem, as it has been suggested that if you have pale curtains, you are safer to keep them shut as this will help keep the heat out - but if you have dark curtains, you will be blocking in the heat if you keep them closed.
In terms of energy efficiency, both room darkening and blackout curtains can be beneficial with 100% blackout curtains providing the most energy savings. Because they block out all light, they can also block out heat, which can help to keep a room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Yes, your curtains should be floor length in most situations. Not only does it look more modern and stylish, there are some practical benefits as well, like added insulation light blocking around the window to keep out drafts.
Thermal curtains are made of 100% polyester, wool or cotton, doubled or triples-layered heavy fabric, with a thick backing of insulate material, most of the time they would have a polyester-film vapour barrier.
For example, if you require insulated industrial curtains for several years, then chances are the thermal insulated curtains are a better investment. The longer you use the insulated curtains, the more money you are going to save in regards to energy loss.
Do thermal curtains work in summer? Technically, yes, thermal curtains can help reduce hot air entering your room in the summer through air leaks along your windows. They trap heat behind the layers of fabric.
For insulating draperies and curtains, you will want to choose something much sturdier. Velvet is a nice heavy choice that also adds a classy look to the room. Tweed is another great, heavy-duty fabric that will protect your home from that cold air that might sneak through drafty windows.
Do Thermal Drapes Work? Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient window coverings can significantly reduce the amount of heat that travels through windows. It's estimated that as much 30 percent of a home's energy can escape this way!
Block the heat
Shade windows and walls using external coverings, like blinds, awnings or large potted plants. Plant deciduous trees that cast shade over your home in summer, but still let the sun shine through in winter.
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.
While energy efficient blinds and curtains are great for sealing in warm air, they can also cause cold pockets of air on your windows to reach dew point and form condensation. It's this condensation that offers a breeding ground for mould spores.
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.
Additionally, curtain lining fabric will increase privacy and will enhance the appearance of your chosen curtain fabric by adding structure and shape. Many types of lining will also help with insulation, thermal lining being the best choice for this.
So, are there any set rules on whether your curtains should be lighter or darker than the walls? Ultimately, experts agree that your curtains can be whatever color you want them to be, it completely depends on the style, mood and function of the room you're decorating.
Thermal curtains provide a barrier between the outside elements and the indoors. During summer, they block solar gain and reduce the amount of heat that penetrates windows. During the winter, they act as an insulating barrier between cold outside air and warm inside air.
There are rational and practical arguments for choosing either side. One group feels that curtains should be hung facing out the window so people can see your lovely flower pattern while another group feels that pattern should face into the room so you see it and the people outside see the reverse side.
Blackout curtains can make a room hotter if they are not installed properly or if they are made from heavy, heat-absorbing materials. However, in most cases, blackout curtains can actually help to keep a room cooler by blocking out sunlight and reducing the amount of heat that enters the room.
What sort of curtains are most effective for heat retention? According to researchers from the University of Salford, drawing your curtains at dusk can reduce heat loss by around 15-17%. With blinds, the figure is a little lower at 13-14%, but the difference is enough to make closing them worth it.