The ability of curtains and drapes to reduce heat gain depends on the fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. Studies have found that medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent, the DOE says. Hang the curtains as close to windows as possible.
For heavy-duty heat blocking, you'll want thermal drapes that are made with thick materials like polyester and microfiber. These also resist moisture and will minimize it from accumulating in between the window and curtain.
Blackout curtains can trap heat in during the winter and keep light and heat out during the summer. 10-25% of thermal energy loss goes out the windows. Blackout curtains can curtail this loss by a 25%, reducing your utility bills and greenhouse gases.
While, yes, thermal curtains can reduce light by up to 90% and insulate against heat, it's important to note that not all thermal options are alike. For the best insulation, look for a thermal curtain that has at least two layers, triple-woven fabric, and blackout technology to eliminate light and even noise.
By extension, heavier curtains are better at preventing heat exchange between the cold air around the window and the warm air in the rest of the room. The thicker the curtains, generally speaking, the more effective they are as an insulator.
These lightweight beauties could be considered the perfect window covering for many reasons. Not only do they offer daytime privacy, diffuse bright light and offer a degree of insulation against heat and cold, but they do it all at the same time as softening rooms with their floaty, textural appearance.
The clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says the smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent.
Thermal insulated curtains, also known as blackout curtains, are often used to optimise the levels of heat in any room of your home in which you choose to install these types of curtains. Due to the specific insulated fabric, these curtains help less heat to escape from your home windows, increasing energy efficiency.
Thermal curtains create a dead-air space between the window and the room, which reduces the amount of air infiltration and transfer of heat. By installing an insulating curtain over a window, heat is kept inside during the winter. During the summer, heat from the sun is reflected back to the outside.
Ideally, you should use both types of curtains and change them from the cold to the warm season. Blackout curtains will keep your house cooler during the sizzling hot summer days, while thermal curtains will keep warmth from escaping out of the 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.
But do thermal curtains work during the summer months? Well the short answer is yes. In the same way that thermal curtains greatly reduce the amount of heat that may escape your room via your windows in the winter, they can also block heat from entering a room during the summer.
Insulated curtains are energy efficiency systems that help prevent heat transfer, block light and dampen noise. They're made up of four layers: A core layer of high-density foam that insulates your windows from heat and sound exchanges. A vapor barrier to keeps the foam from absorbing moisture.
Thermal curtains are either double- or triple-layered heavy fabric with a thick backing of insulate material and often a polyester-film vapor barrier.
They provide softness, texture and movement
Sheer curtains are wonderful transition pieces between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They can enhance a room's ambience through the softening of incoming light, the framing of your windows, and the creating of an impression that your rooms have more height.
Close your Curtains
Did you know that 30% of the unwanted heat in your home comes in through your windows? Investing in a good pair of block out blinds for your sun facing windows and sheers, or shades for the rest, can help your home to feel 20 degrees cooler and save you up to 10% on your cooling bills.
Curtains and drapes will certainly block the UV rays when they are closed, but unfortunately, they also block the sunlight which some people enjoy, especially in sunrooms. Plus, don't forget that over time, the fabric of these shades and drapes will suffer from sun damage and need to be replaced.
In heating seasons, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings.
Yes. Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using “aluminum foil-covered cardboard” between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
Bubble wrap works by increasing the isolative value of the window, making it effective in keeping the heat out in summer and preventing heat loss in winter. "The still layer of air trapped in the bubbles gives a cheap double-glazed-type effect," Ms Edwards said.