Manage the cold winds and keep your home warm with these window coverings.
Winter is on its way. Beyond taking out those winter clothes, preparing the home for the coming change in seasons is also important. If your home is not ready for the weather of the next few months, it can mean discomfort and even illnesses for the occupants of the house. It also means very high electricity bills for many because the heating system has to work overtime.
While sheer curtains and thin blinds work well during the summer season, they may not be suitable for the winter months. Not all window treatments are created equal, and it is vital to choose the right window covering during different seasons. This is especially important in places where the weather can be extreme.
Window Treatments That Keep Warm Air Inside
Here are a few window treatments that will help keep homes warm this winter.
1. Cellular or Honeycomb Blinds
Cellular blinds are one of the best window coverings options if keeping the heat inside the house is the main priority. Cellular blinds are made from fabrics that create cellular shapes which trap the air and create a more constant indoor temperature. Whether the goal is to keep the home cooler or warmer, cellular blinds do the job. In fact, a study revealed that honeycomb blinds outperform other window coverings when it comes to heat retention.
Cellular shades have a modern look and appeal that never looks out of style. They easily blend with any interior and themes. They also provide privacy and come with a wide range of opacity.
2. Thick Curtains
Thick curtains help minimise the heat that escapes through the windows. During the winter months, thick curtains help keep the warm air inside the home. The options with blackout and heavy-drape curtains are vast. With a double curtain track, homeowners can combine them with sheer curtains for a softer look. It also allows for light and heat to come in when the sun shining. Thick curtains can also be paired with blinds for added thermal comfort.
Popular curtain/blinds combinations include:
- Roller blinds and curtains
- Cellular blinds and curtains
- Roman blinds and curtains
Combining blinds and curtains improves thermal insulation and softens the home’s interior. To be effective, the curtains must be the right fit. They must sit on the windowsill or the floor for maximum heat insulation.
3. Plantation Shutters
The overlapping design of plantation shutters means more layers to help keep warm air inside the house, making them perfect for the cold winter months. In addition, they are fitted against the window frames, leaving no space for drafts to come in or the warm air to go out. This makes plantation shutters energy-efficient, whatever the season may be.
Plantation shutters are also easy to maintain and safe for houses with children, since there are no hazardous cords. They are durable and provide complete light control, and are also more sustainable, since they can last for decades when properly maintained.
4. Roman Shades
Roman shades are a favourite in minimalist homes. These window coverings are made of thicker materials that can help trap heat inside during the winter season.
There are also roman blinds that come with a thermal blind liner to control and maintain room temperatures. When the sun is up, homeowners can simply pull up the blinds to let some warm sunlight inside the house.
5. Insulated Curtains
Thermal insulated curtains are lined curtains that help keep the warm air inside during winter to maintain the room temperature. It prevents four types of heat loss: conduction, convection, radiation, and infiltration. In addition, insulated curtains help slow down the flow of heat, which naturally flows from a place of higher temperature to a place with lower temperature.
Unlike ordinary ones, insulated curtains have inner linings that protect the outer layer, high-density foam, vapour barrier, and reflective film which redirects the heat back inside.
Why Is It Important to Cover Windows for Winter?
Aside from keeping the house comfortable even when the weather gets colder, dressing up the windows during winter can help reduce energy costs. The more heat that is lost, the harder the heating system must work to keep the indoor temperature warm.
Heat can be lost through either conduction, convection, or radiation. In a residential setup, the most common heat loss mechanism is convection.
Heat loss through convection happens when the warm air from inside the house escapes through openings and cracks. This is why window treatments must be fitted correctly against the windows.
On the other hand, heat loss through conduction occurs when heat flows from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature. An example would be from the warmer side of the windowpane to its colder face outside the house. Conduction losses can be minimised through the use of insulating materials. This explains why insulated window coverings are popular both during the winter season, and on hot summer days.
Other Ways to Help Keep The House Warm
Aside from dressing up the windows for the cold weather, there are other ways to keep the house warm. After the windows are thoroughly covered to prevent heat from escaping, here are other noteworthy things to do.
Keep it cosy with rugs.
Heat can be lost through the floors, and covering it up with rugs can help keep the warm air from escaping. Of course, rugs can also make the floors more comfortable and help keep toes toasty warm.
Regularly maintain the heating system.
To ensure that it will work efficiently, it is necessary to take care of the heating system. First, clean the filters, and have them checked by a professional at least once every two years.
Run the fan in its winter setting.
In the winter setting, the fan moves clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. The change in direction pushes the heat back down into the room and helps keep it warm.
Get Your Windows Ready for Winter Season with Heritage Blinds and Shutters.
Heritage Blinds and Shutters is a family-owned company that offers a wide range of window treatment options for your home for every season. We offer a wide range of blinds, plantation shutters, rollers, and other window coverings for your different needs.
Our team will also handle the installation for you! We have over three decades of experience servicing Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (02) 4958 4336 and let us talk to you about how we can help. You may also send your enquiries to info@heritageblinds.com.au.
