We remember an energy adviser coming to visit us during our first cold winter in our house; he had lots of helpful advice – all very useful but he was not satisfied; I think he realized we were not really curtain people, and spent a while enthusing about how much curtains help to keep a room warm; so, reluctantly we committed to using and improving our curtains. What a difference it made to the temperature of the house….a win-win situation, as we can keep the house warmer, bring our energy bills down AND help the environment, all at the same time. Even better, it’s probably the lowest effort, highest benefit thing which we have done at home, so we can’t help encouraging others.
Windows (even double-glazed) form a cold surface, so warmer air inside will cool wherever it contacts the glass. Heat also radiates through glass and is lost from the room. Finally, if the window frames are draughty there is even better reason to close your blinds or curtains.
So, how do I maximise the benefits of curtains and blinds?
- Use thermal curtains / blinds as much as possible, or secondary thermal curtains are available which attach to the same rail but just behind the curtains themselves. Just like clothes – layers are good and trapped air also works well.
- Make sure there is as little gap as possible between the curtains and the window sill. If possible, minimising or removing the gaps at the side of the curtains, and reaching the ground will also help.
- If the curtains cover your radiators, either shorten them or tuck them up onto the window sill to allow the heat from the radiator into the room.
- Close curtains / blinds as it’s getting dark, aiming to beat that rapid temperature drop which we have all felt as the sun drops but it’s not yet dark.
Don’t forget to open your curtains again to allow sunlight (and therefore warmth) in, particularly on south- facing windows. And having said all this, if it does get hot this summer we may find ourselves closing curtains to keep some of the cool in. Hard to imagine as we write this article on another chilly June day!
People often ask “are curtains or blinds better”? Perhaps two better questions would be firstly, “How is the draught being stopped?” Curtains often use pleats to press against the wall beside the window, hence reducing draughts, and blinds can run down tracks at the edges to stop draughts. And secondly “How effective is the thermal barrier?” Curtains maximise the barrier using lining and quilting, whilst blinds frequently use reflective foil and air gaps between layers to form a barrier to reduce heat loss.
Lastly – let’s not forget the humble shutter. If you are fortunate enough to have shutters in your home it is well worth using them, as they make a really effective first line of defense.
The following links may be useful:
Second Hand: Buying second hand is always good for the environment and our pockets. Our Thrift Shop often has curtains for sale, as does Remake in Crieff – https://remakescotland.co.uk.
Secondary Curtains: Dunelm – https://www.dunelm.com/search?q=curtain+thermal+linings
Thermal Blinds: https://www.blinds-2go.co.uk/energy-saving-thermal-blinds.htm
And with side sliders which form an even tighter seal – https://www.blinds-2go.co.uk/perfect-fit
Velux Options: Blinds – https://www.veluxblindsdirect.co.uk/product/velux-blinds/energy-blinds
Shutters: https://www.veluxblindsdirect.co.uk/product/velux-blinds/roller-shutters