Uncovered windows are responsible for up to 40 per cent of the heat loss from a home in winter and up to 50 per cent of unwanted heat gain in summer.A one degree fall in temperature in your home adds 10 per cent to your heating bill. Conversely, an increase in temperature in summer adds significantly to the energy required for cooling.
Choosing the right window coverings will create an insulating layer of still air on the inside of the glass. This enables you to preserve up to 20 per cent of the total heat in your home in winter, resulting in significant savings on power bills. Our window coverings work in the same way in summer keeping the hot air out and the cool air in, saving you more money!
Studies demonstrate that Curtains made from blockout fabric can reduce heat gains by 33 per cent. Adding lining to your Curtains creates a second layer of trapped air and further insulation.
The beauty of Curtains is their abundance of both aesthetic and practical benefits. Aesthetically speaking they add softness and warmth to a room. Curtains shape and frame your windows, add the illusion of height to rooms and create movement and texture.
In addition to the visual opportunities, Curtains offer many practical benefits, including increased thermal and noise insulation, UV protection, privacy and room darkening. Curtains are the top window covering for energy efficiency so they are truly worth the investment and will save you money in the long term.
Adding a Pelmet to the top of your Curtains or Blinds is a wise preventative measure which will also save you money. Pelmets form a barrier that stops warm air that has risen to the top of the room from escaping over the top of the Curtain or Blind and through your window. Pelmets also stop air coming back through the glass in summer by trapping it under the Pelmet before it gets into the room.
Cellular Blinds are the top Blind product for energy efficiency. They are constructed using a material that is cellular / honeycomb in shape providing superior insulation properties. This unique shape traps air, helping to create a more constant indoor temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
The unique construction of the Cellular Blind results in savings of up to 32 per cent on your energy costs. When lifted they also have one of the smallest stack backs available. This minimal stack back along with its cord lock operation greatly reduces any obstruction to your views and allows you to maximise natural light.
Another popular product is Double Roller Blinds. They offer double the insulation; by having two Blinds in one you have two air pockets to keep the cool air out. Control of each Blind is separate so you can enjoy your window views and soft diffused light during the day and have complete privacy and darkness at night.
“Pre-made or ready-made curtains and blinds are most often poorly fitted and won't adequately cover your windows enough to properly insulate.”
— dc+b Interior Consultant.Custom made for your windows.
Ensuring you buy custom made window coverings rather than ready-made window coverings is also very important.
Custom made Curtains and Blinds are manufactured specifically to your window dimensions without any pre-fabrication or short cuts. This is crucial as it ensures that your window coverings are perfectly fitted to your windows to get the best possible light control, privacy and insulation benefits.
Pre-made or ready-made Curtains and Blinds are most often poorly fitted and won’t adequately cover your windows enough to properly insulate.
Let’s not forgot Outdoor Blinds. Our Window Awnings for example are proven to significantly reduce cooling energy costs by keeping a standard home at a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the summer months. Independent tests have shown that they offer energy cost reductions of up to 58%.
Sustainability Victoria.
Sustainability Victoria also recommends well fitted curtains to help improve your home insulation. Sustainability Victoria has identified how a poorly fitted Curtain allows heat loss to occur, while a well fitted Curtain combined with a pelmet significantly reduces heat loss.
Sustainability Victoria Tips.
- Use closely woven, close-fitting Curtains or Blinds
- Ensure there’s a snug fit on both sides of the window and at the top of the Curtain to stop warm air from moving down behind the Curtain and cooling
- Install boxed pelmets or solid barriers above the Curtain rail or position the Curtain within the window space
- Use Curtain tracks that provide a return of Curtain to the wall to create a seal
- Close Curtains or Blinds when you have the heating on, especially at night. Leaving Curtains or Blinds open wastes money and energy.
