How Insulated Curtains Work
Thermal Curtains can Help Lower Your Heating and
Cooling Costs
Introduction:
As prices of energy rise
homeowners are always searching for new ways to
keep energy costs down. Although homeowners add
insulation to attics and insulate around door and
windows to stop air infiltration they often
overlook one of the most obvious ways to save
energy during the heating and cooling seasons.
Insulated curtains can make your home warmer and
save you on your electrical bill too.
Insulated curtains are often called thermo drapes
or energy saving curtains because they are lined
with a thermo material to help keep warm air from
leaving or entering through your windows. This loss
of heat will help keep your temperature relatively
constant without having to constantly adjust the
thermostat. Your air conditioner uses a great deal
of electricity and installing insulated curtains
will go a long way in cutting down your usage and
save you a lot of money.
Insulated curtains help
maintain constant temperature by protecting your
home from the four major types of heat loss:
conduction, infiltration, convection and radiation.
Heat is
essentially energy that moves from warm areas to
cool areas. Installing insulated curtains will help
slow down or stop that movement. The level of
insulation depends on the curtains you buy, but
most will comprise of:
-
An outer
decorative layer protected by an inner lining
-
A high-density foam layer that blocks heat
exchange and sound waves
-
A reflective vapor barrier that blocks moisture
-
A reflective film that helps direct heat back
into the room
Together, these layers insulate your windows
against the conditions outside. Often, there is
also a magnetic strip sewn into the edges of the
curtains and placed either in the window frame or
along the surrounding walls. The magnets in the
curtains form a tighter barrier with the wall than
standard free-hanging curtains which adds another
extra layer of protection.
Insulated curtains are available in a variety of
patterns, thickness and durability. They're all
relatively easy to maintain and only require mild
dry cleaning to freshen them up from time to time.
Like any other normal curtains just a light vacuum
while hanging in place will keep them looking
bright and dust free.
The glass used in windows is a poor insulator but
with insulated curtains you can prevent a lot of
heat lost and save money on energy cost. They are
certainly worth the investment and if they are of
good quality they will last for years before
needing replacement.
Related articles:
Decorating a Nursery
Decorating and Furnishings for a
Farmer's Porch
Holiday Decorating Tips
How to Hang a Carpet
How to Have a Beautiful Home
For more DIY information Check out these
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