Perhaps you have heard of thermal curtains but aren’t really sure what they are or how they work. The concept is simple yet highly effective. On a chilly winter day, the area near the windows is often the coldest place in the house. That’s because heat escapes through the thin glass of the windows. Replacing all the windows in the house could cost thousands of dollars. Thermal curtains are a simple and affordable solution that many homeowners use to combat energy and heat loss through their windows.
These insulated curtains are simple to install and start immediately providing better insulation around your window areas. They are available in attractive designs that can be easily incorporated into your existing decorating themes. In any case, they are always better looking than packing newspapers or insulation into windows. Thermal, insulated curtains can increase the energy efficiency of a window up to 10 times the original amount which translates into a much warmer room and cheaper heating bills.
Thermal curtains often consist of multiple layers. They generally have at least one layer of insulating material, a moisture barrier, a reflective layer, and a fabric covering. The insulation layer works to insulate the window area, preventing heat loss. The moisture barrier helps to prevent condensation and mildew on the curtain. Reflective material helps to keep the outside out through the principle of reflection. Finally the fabric coating serves as a decorative display to make the curtain attractive.
For optimal results, thermal or insulated curtains are hung differently than a standard curtain. These curtains aim to create as tight a seal around the window as possible. By creating a tight seal, cold air is trapped and unable to penetrate through the curtain and into your home. A cap of some sort usually covers the top of the curtain and the sides of the curtain generally pull tight to the wall. Often these curtains attach directly to the wall using snaps, ties, adhesive material, or magnets. The bottom of the curtain is often weighted to help further reduce temperature loss.
Since each style of thermal curtain is installed differently, pay attention when making a purchase. Some styles are easier to install than others. While installing you should pay close attention to the specific manufacturer instructions to ensure a successful installation. These curtains will be most effective when properly installed. If you don’t follow the instructions, you could create gaps between the curtain and the wall. Even the smallest opening can be enough to drastically reduce the effectiveness of your insulated thermal curtain.
An insulated thermal curtain is also useful during the summer months. These curtains block out the sunlight which means they can prevent the room from getting too hot. This is another way to save on your energy bills. They are a great choice for rooms that experience a lot of direct sunlight in the afternoon. Not only do they keep the room cooler but they keep the light out, which can be particularly useful in a room where a child is napping. By blocking the sun, they also help prevent the color of your furniture from the fading effects of sunlight. For that reason, these curtains are useful year-round not only near windows but also as curtain room dividers.
Thermal room dividers are great for homes that are drafty. In particular, insulated room dividers are perfect for separating a conservatory from a dining room or living room. You can also use them purely for blocking light. In fact, they don’t have to be placed directly against the window at all. A thermal room divider is also a great choice in a dorm room or other type of room shared by people who sleep at different hours.
A great feature of lined thermal curtains is the ability to fit into any home décor. The outer fabric coating can be extensively customized to meet any color needs. Additionally there are many different styles of this energy efficient curtain available. These curtains are most easily found online although retail stores often carry them, especially in colder areas.
If you have modern insulated windows, you may not necessarily need a thermal window curtain. However, if your windows are even just a few years old, you will probably find that thermal curtains make a big difference in how well your home stays warm as well as on your energy bills.
If you’re a bit crafty, you can even make your own thermal drapes. It can be as simple as sewing together several layers of thick fabric. Many craft stores offer patterns and kits specifically designed for creating your own blackout curtains. This is a great way to save even more money.
These curtains are highly affordable and will quickly pay for themselves by effectively lowering energy and heating bills. Thermal curtains don’t cost much more than regular curtains and in many cases they cost the same. They also make great cheap room dividers. Although they are heavier than regular curtains, they are machine washable which makes maintenance a snap. Lined thermal curtains are a great investment that will make your home more comfortable during the cold winter months.
If you are looking to buy thermal curtains, some of the best deals can be found online. Below are some options we recommend.
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