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Cool warming window treatments

WINDOW coverings are a wonderful way to freshen up interiors, but they are also practical – something that is obvious in winter. Windows account for about one-third of all heat loss in homes! Here are window coverings that will help keep you warm.

CELLULAR BLINDS

Probably the most energy-efficient window treatment, Duette or honeycomb blinds are comprise honeycomb-like cell pockets which act as a thermal barrier between the room and window, trapping air to provide additional insulation. They come in several layering options, including single and double cell; double has higher insulation value.

ROMAN BLINDS

These are chosen for their great mix of form and function. Their sturdy fabric and lining both secures the dowel rods, and keeps the heat in and the cold out. Roman blinds also look cosy, thanks to their relaxed, classic feel. And with countless fabric options, finding the perfect colour and/or pattern for your room is easy. They can also be mounted on the frame, instead of inside it, for extra insulation.

PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Providing a classic, old-world look, plantation shutters are also good for retaining heat because they have fewer gaps than other types of blinds, as they’re installed tight to the frame. Using closed louvres, shutters create a barrier to stop warm air escaping and cold air getting in. Vinyl and wood shutters have proved to be equally energy efficient, according to studies, so you can go with aesthetics.

SOLAR BLINDS

If you can’t install solar panels on your roof, consider solar blinds. With the look of blinds, these are actually solar panels that help transform solar energy into electricity. They’re easier to install than solar panels, making them popular in urban areas, and can cut air-conditioning costs by up to 30 per cent. Solar blinds are designed to stabilise temperatures by acting as a shield against UV rays. They also generate heat by absorbing sunlight, then converting it into interior radiant heat, keeping your home toasty.

THERMAL CURTAINS

Great to keep your home snug, these are made from several layers of material that provide thermal resistance (R-value), and prevent thermal conductivity (U-value).

For winter

Change out your curtains to thermal ones in to add both visual interest and warmth. Keep in mind that not all thermal curtains are created equal – some come with thermal lining, others with thermal backing. The website Stella Curtains and Blinds explains the difference: ‘‘Thermal lining is sewn into a curtain whereas thermal backing is glued. To remember the difference, visualise two methods. In the first, the curtain and thermal-backing are lined up and sewn together. In the second method, glue is used to attach the lining as a backing to the curtain.’’ Thermal backing is more affordable, however, its insulation qualities are poorer as there is no extra layer to trap heat, and you’ll probably have to replace it sooner than liners, as it’s more vulnerable to the effects of sun, temperatures, and wear and tear. A thermal-lined curtain is essentially two layers, giving it a nicer ‘‘fall’’, as the layers move as one and can be stored without the surfaces sticking together.

For year-round use

If you don’t want to switch out your curtains during the year, still opt for curtains with a thermal lining or backing. A medium-weight fabric will strike the balance between too bulky and too wispy. Neutral colours work well – choose something that won’t feel too cold to the eye in winter, or too overbearing in summer.

Top tip: Seal the deal

Sealing your curtains is far more important than what they’re made from, says Consumer NZ, because more heat is lost by air moving between the curtain and window, than through the fabric. To seal:

● Mount curtains as close as possible to the window frame; preferably touching.

● Take curtains to the ceiling or to the top of a pelmet to prevent the ‘‘chimney effect’’ (where warm air drops down behind the curtain, then cools when it hits the window).

● Ensure curtains touch the floor.

● Make curtains a generous width, so they overlap the window frames at the sides.

● Position any nets as close to the window as possible for an extra insulating layer.

Homed

en-nz

2022-08-13T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-13T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282106345419417

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