How to save money (+ the environment).

But those innocent-looking panes of glass can also be responsible for considerable movement of heat – either out of your home in winter or back the other way in summer. Which, as a result, can increase your household energy usage.

And with the current global energy crisis forcing up gas and electricity prices, coupled with the rising cost of living generally, it makes sense to choose energy-saving blinds and window coverings that reduce the need for heating and cooling. Which not only saves money but the environment, too.

When you consider a single pane of glass can lose almost ten times as much heat as the same area of an insulated wall, it’s worth considering what you can do to reduce heat loss – and gain – through your windows.

And with double glazing out of reach for many, a more economical way of minimising heat transfer is to install made-to-measure, energy-saving Cellular Blinds which also have the bonus of improving an interior’s aesthetic as well.

Custom made Cellular Blinds – also known as Honeycomb Blinds – are considered the most energy-efficient window covering solution and are one of the energy saving methods recommended by both the Victorian State Government and the ACT Government. In fact, the Cellular Blinds designed and manufactured by dollar curtains + blinds could save you up to 32 per cent more on your heating and cooling costs compared to a standard Roller Blind.

Cellular Blinds are designed with a unique honeycomb cell shape that creates pockets of energy-saving insulation. This cell construction traps air and makes it more difficult for heat energy to transfer in and out of the window, improving energy efficiency and reducing the need to switch on your heating or air conditioning.

Choosing a quality window covering that will last long-term is one of the most sustainable decisions you can make as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and resources needed to make new window coverings.

dollar curtains + blinds’ window treatments use the highest quality fabrics and componentry made to last in Australia’s harsh climate. Like most of our products, our Honeycomb Blinds are also made in Australia, increasing sustainability further by having a reduced carbon footprint.

Can Curtains reduce heat loss?

If you prefer the look of Curtains, you’ll be pleased to hear that Blockout Curtains are also effective at preventing heat loss and saving on energy bills. In fact, Blockout Curtains which seal around the edges and drop to the floor can preserve up to 20 per cent of the total heat in your home, creating a trapped layer of air between the fabric and the window, which results in an insulating air pocket.

Studies also demonstrate that Curtains made from blockout fabric can reduce heat gains by 33 per cent, which is great news in summer.

If you want to save money and the environment (and who wouldn’t?), consider the lower impact Deserts + Forests Collections, which are made from 100 per cent Recycled Polyester. Each metre of fabric contains 57 litre plastic bottles that have been recycled and prevented from entering landfill.

Offering excellent fabric performance but with a smaller environmental footprint, the range of recycled polyester fabrics include beautiful linen-look fabrics and heavier blockout fabrics. So you could combine both in Double Curtains with diffused light and daytime privacy by using only the Sheer Curtain and then switching to complete thermal and noise insulation plus light control by closing the Blockout Curtain at night.

Finally, while we’re talking about sustainability and fabrics, we just thought we’d mention that for more than ten years, dollar curtains + blinds has supported the Rotary Australia and Rotary International organisations.

Working closely with the Donations In Kind program, we’ve donated fabrics that have been distributed to people in need in countries including East Timor and North Cambodia. The fabrics are made into practical items such as clothing, rice carry bags, sanitary products and, perhaps unsurprisingly, all-weather window cover protection.