Many homeowners begin to consider how to keep their houses warm and comfortable throughout the winter months as the days become shorter and the temperatures drop. Investing in the appropriate winter window curtains is one way to balance temperature control. . In addition to helping you maintain a nice interior atmosphere, the correct curtains, blinds, or shades can lower your energy bills.
The Problem: How Windows Affect Indoor Temperature
Windows are one of the main culprits in heat loss in a house. . They offer views and natural light and serve as insulation barriers. In fact , windows are responsible for between 25% and 30% of the energy used for heating and cooling a house. Even double-glazed windows, which are intended to provide superior insulation, allow heat to escape more quickly than solid walls because cold air from the outside can seep through gaps and crevices.
This issue worsens in winter when your heating system has to work harder to keep the temperature comfortable. Your radiator or furnace will have to work harder if your windows are not adequately insulated, increasing energy use and costs.
Winter window treatments are helpful in this situation. The proper window coverings may efficiently prevent heat loss and give your windows an additional layer of insulation, making it simpler and less expensive to keep your house warm.
Benefits of Winter Window Treatments
Energy Efficiency
Energy savings are the main advantage of using window treatments in the winter. By trapping heat inside and minimizing heat loss, thick, insulated blinds or curtains can lessen the strain on your heater. The same solutions can help keep the heat out and lower the interior temperature in the summer.
Improved Comfort
Drafts can make a room feel colder than it actually is, but appropriate window treatments can minimize these drafts. By keeping the cold out and the warm air from escaping, you can make your living area more pleasant. .
Noise Reduction
Sound-dampening qualities are also found in many winter window coverings, particularly thicker textiles, and cellular shades. Snow plows, strong winds, increased activity in the home, noisy heating systems; there are a number of reasons someone might want their room to be a little quieter in the winter, all of which can be obtained with window treatments.
Enhanced Privacy
In order to improve privacy without sacrificing natural light, winter window treatments frequently use thicker textiles or materials that conceal the outside view.
Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to being functional, window curtains can improve a room’s aesthetic appeal by adding warmth and texture to the design.
Best Winter Window Treatments
There are plenty of window treatments available to keep the cold out and increase energy efficiency in the winter. Here are the best options: :
Thermal Curtains
Thermal or insulated curtains are to retain heat and stop drafts. Usually composed of several layers of cloth, they have a thick, heat-reflective lining that keeps your house warm. Homes with inadequate window insulation would benefit greatly from these drapes.
You can easily find a thermal curtain that suits your aesthetic preferences because they are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and lengths. Look for thermal curtains that are branded with phrases like “insulated,” “energy-efficient,” or “thermal-lined.” These are intended to offer a layer of protection from the cold and optimize heat retention.
Pro Tip: To get the most out of thermal curtains, hang them as near to the window frame as you can, and when you’re not using the windows, pull them tight.
Cellular Shades
Also called honeycomb shades, cellular shades are among the most energy-efficient window treatments on the market. By trapping air inside the cells, their special honeycomb structure acts as an insulating barrier between the warm interior and the cold window. This lessens the transfer of chilly air from the outside while keeping the heat inside.
You can choose how much natural light you want while still optimizing insulation. They are available in both light-filtering and blackout varieties. Single, double, or even triple-cell cellular shades are available; the double and triple-cell varieties offer more insulation.
Pro Tip: Choose a double-cell or blackout cellular shade if you want both light control and heat insulation.
Roman Shades
Roman blinds provide superior insulation and a lovely, timeless appearance. When lifted, they neatly stack up in gentle pleats, giving your windows a refined touch. . Roman shades offer an additional layer of cloth when lowered, which can help keep the warmth in and the cold air out.
Roman shades come in various materials, including thicker velvet or wool and lighter cotton, which can provide extra insulation and warmth in the winter. For optimal thermal performance, look for Roman blinds that are lined or insulated.
Pro Tip: Choose materials with inherent insulating qualities, like wool or velvet, or Roman shades with a thermal lining for increased energy efficiency.
Drapes With Liners
Adding a thermal liner to your curtains is a terrific way to improve their thermal efficiency if you appreciate the opulent look of draperies. To increase insulation, you can sew or glue a thin, reflective cloth called a thermal liner to the back of your current curtains.
In addition to keeping drafts out and lowering noise, lined curtains can stop heat from leaking through the windows. They may blend in with your current decor and are made of a range of fabrics, including velvet and cotton.
Pro Tip: For optimal insulation, choose a heavy-duty liner if you are in a region with exceptionally hard winters.
Blinds with Insulating Features
Generally, thick drapes or cellular shades are more effective in providing insulation than blinds, including vertical blinds and faux wood blinds. If you like the appearance of blinds, though, energy-efficient alternatives are available. To lessen heat loss, look for blinds with extra insulating elements like honeycomb patterns or reflective coatings.
Installing weatherstripping or caulking any openings where cold air could enter can improve the energy efficiency of blinds that are already installed.
Pro Tip: To keep your house warm and fashionable, combine thermal curtains with insulated blinds for the best of both worlds.
Draft Stoppers
Draft stoppers aren’t quite window treatments, but they can be an easy and affordable solution to keep chilly air out of the spaces around your windows. You can install these soft, tubular devices around the bottom of the window to stop drafts from creeping in. Draft stoppers are available in a wide range of materials and styles, from basic cloth tubes to more ornamental versions that complement your interior design.
Pro Tip: Combine draft stoppers with your winter window treatments for better temperature control. .
Additional Tips for Keeping Warm and Saving Energy
- Close Curtains at Night: To keep the warmth inside when the temperature lowers, close your window coverings as soon as the sun sets. To help heat your house throughout the day, open them to let in natural sunshine.
- Seal Window Gaps: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any cracks or gaps in your windows. This will lessen drafts and improve the efficiency of your window treatments.
- Install Window Film: Consider adding window film to your windows to provide an additional insulation layer. . This transparent, sticky substance can lessen condensation on chilly windows and stop heat loss.
- Use Carpets and Rugs: Since floors can lose a lot of heat, covering them with carpets or rugs can also help insulate your house.
In Conclusion
Winter window treatments are a simple and practical way to maintain a warm, cozy, and energy-efficient house during the winter. Purchasing the appropriate window coverings can lower your energy costs, increase comfort, and even improve the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
To keep the cold out and the warmth in, take the time as winter draws near to assess your windows and consider applying the appropriate treatments. Your house and your pocketbook will appreciate you for it.
Are you looking to enter the real estate market this winter? Give us a call today! One of the experienced agents at Zoocasa will be more than happy to help you through the exciting home-buying process!
