curtains
Choosing the best curtains & blinds for insulation
When it comes to keeping your home cosy during those chilly months or blocking out heat and UV rays during summer, choosing the right curtains and blinds makes all the difference. So, what are the best curtains and blinds for insulation? From blockout curtains and honeycomb blinds to layered window treatments, there are many ways to help insulate your home.
Why are many Aussie homes so poorly insulated?
Ever wake up to a chilly house on a winter morning, or feel the hot afternoon sun streaming through your windows in summer? You’re not alone. Millions of Australian homes battle with poor insulation. As The Guardian puts it, “Australian homes are so poorly insulated that some experts compare them to tents.” This not only makes heating and cooling more expensive but also hinders efforts to reduce emissions.
Our diverse climates across Australia require varying insulation needs, yet many homes are built focusing more on cooling than heating. According to Dr Nicola Willand from RMIT’s School of Property, Construction and Property Management, “Australian homes tend to be uninsulated, draughty, and fitted with inefficient heaters.” Fortunately, a simple and affordable way to improve your home’s insulation is by using window treatments that offer insulating benefits.
Some of the Best Insulating Window Treatments
Blockout Curtains
Blockout curtains are perfect if you want to improve insulation in your home. These functional curtains are made with a coated fabric that traps heat inside during winter and helps keep your living spaces warm and toasty. In summer, blockout curtains regulate heat and sunlight to help keep your home cooler and more comfortable.
Blockout curtain benefits go beyond insulation. By reducing the need for aircon during hot months, these curtains lower energy consumption and therefore your energy bills. Plus, the top-quality thick material of blockout curtains provides exceptional day and night privacy, making it impossible for outsiders to see inside your home.
To maximise efficiency, make sure you install your blockout curtains to closest to your window frame. This tight fit prevents any draughts from sneaking in and further enhances their insulating properties. Blockout curtains are not just practical, they’re also stylish, so they’re perfect for any season.
How to Measure for Blockout Curtains
Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds, also known as cellular blinds, are increasingly well regarded for their superior insulation qualities. Made from pleated polyester that folds up into honeycomb cells, these blinds create an effective barrier against heat and cold. Thanks to their slender headrail and bracket, they can snugly fit almost any window recess, making them one of the most versatile window treatments.
One of the best features of honeycomb blinds is their high R-value which measures a material’s resistance to heat flow. These blinds have the highest R-value among window treatments, providing excellent thermal insulation. This means honeycomb blinds can effectively reduce heat loss through windows in the winter and keep the heat out during summer. Plus, they also offer noise dampening, privacy and light blocking features.
When properly fitted to window frames, their insulating properties make them a top choice for anyone who wants to improve their home’s energy efficiency and comfort.
How to Measure for Honeycomb Blinds
Layered Window Treatments
Think about combining curtains and blinds for that perfect blend of style and insulation. Not only do they look great together, but they also work wonders in regulating temperature.
Start with some sleek blinds or shutters as your base layer. They’re great for blocking out light and providing privacy while still allowing you to control the amount of sunshine streaming in. Then, add a set of beautiful curtains over the top. This not only adds a pop of colour or texture to your space but also creates an extra barrier against draughts.
Double up on value while improving insulation with double curtains. By combining blockout curtains with sheers, you can maintain a more stable temperature in your bedroom, living room, or wherever you need them. Retain warmth while blocking cold draughts, reducing noise, and more.
The beauty of layering is that you can easily switch things up with different colours or fabrics depending on the season. In winter, heavier fabrics can keep the warmth in, while lighter options can brighten up your space during those sunny summer days. So go ahead, mix and match those curtains and blinds for better insulation – and style!
Boost Your Home Insulation with Curtains & Blinds
Insulating curtains and blinds are a smart way to make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, all while saving on energy bills. Whether you go for blockout curtains or honeycomb blinds, investing in quality window treatments can help keep your home temperature at a comfortable level all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do blockout curtains help with energy efficiency?
Blockout curtains enhance energy efficiency by trapping heat in winter and blocking sunlight in summer, which reduces your reliance on heating and air conditioning. With cutting-edge MotionBlinds technology, you can automate your curtains to open and close at specific times, helping you save on energy consumption and increase privacy.
Do honeycomb blinds keep the cold out?
Honeycomb blinds help to keep the cold out thanks to their unique design. They offer effective insulation due to their high R-value, which creates a substantial barrier against both heat and cold. This means you can enjoy a significant reduction in heat loss during cooler weather and a reduction in unwanted heat during hotter weather.
