Everything You Need to Know About Energy Efficient Curtains
Did you know that hanging curtains is one of the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs? If your heating and air conditioning bills soar in the winter and summer, adding curtains to your windows is an excellent place to start.
Energy efficient curtains help keep your home insulated against extreme temperatures and are an effective “green” way to cut the costs of your utility bills.
Ready to learn all about the best energy efficient curtains for your home? Let’s get started!
What Are Energy Efficient Curtains?
Energy efficient curtains are also called insulated curtains or thermal curtains. They are thick, heavy curtains that contain a layer of acrylic foam that provides additional insulation. This insulation prevents heat and air from entering or escaping your windows.
Discover how you can hang heavy insulated curtains without drilling.
If you live in a warmer climate, you may not think energy efficient curtains are necessary for your home. However, keeping heat out on a hot day is just as important as keeping the heat in when it’s cold.
Energy efficient curtains are relatively inexpensive and available in a variety of fabrics, lengths and colors to suit your home’s decor.
How Do Energy Efficient Curtains Work?
Energy efficient curtains create a barrier that protects against heat transfer through your windows.
The remaining thin layer of air between your windows and curtains is cooled or heated by your air conditioner or heater, providing a buffer that helps maintain the room’s temperature.
According to Energy Star, about half of the energy you use in your home goes to heating and cooling. Without energy efficient curtains, your home can lose up to 30% of its heating energy through the windows. And in warm weather, about 76% of the sunlight that hits your windows enters the house as heat, which can cause you to leave the air conditioner on much longer than you’d like.
What’s the Difference Between Energy Efficient Curtains and Blackout Curtains?
Energy efficient curtains insulate against heat and cold. Due to their multi-layer construction, they also block light and reduce sound, which helps with sleeping and relaxation.
Blackout curtains block light. These curtains have a thin opaque lining that is sewn to the interior. They’re ideal for rooms where temperature control is not strictly necessary.
Both energy efficient curtains and blackout curtains can block light. However, only energy efficient curtains are effective for insulating a room. Many use the terms ‘thermal’ and ‘blackout’ interchangeably, so make sure you choose the right type of curtain to suit your needs.
How to Use Energy Efficient Curtains in Cold Weather
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most people aren’t opening and closing their curtains effectively! Seventy-five percent of residential window coverings remain in the same position — either open or closed — every day.
If it’s a sunny winter day, opening your curtains (especially those that receive direct sunlight) in the morning allows the sun to heat your home throughout the day.
Also, it’s best to close all of your curtains at night. Closing curtains after the sun goes down improves insulation and helps prevent heat loss.
How to Use Energy Efficient Curtains in Warm Weather
If it’s a hot summer day, close any curtains on windows that are getting direct sunlight.
To avoid turning lights on, keep curtains open on windows facing away from the sun. You may have to open and close curtains at different times of the day for maximum heat protection.
For best results, choose curtains with a white or light-colored thermal backing. Light colors reflect light, adding another heat-deflecting boost.
Where to Use Energy Efficient Curtains in Your Home
You can use thermal curtains in just about any room in your home. Rooms with windows facing east or west are prime candidates for heat retention in the winter and heat deflection in the summer.
Here are some ideas for using insulated and blackout curtains in your home.
Long energy efficient curtains for your bedroom
Most people sleep better in a dark room. If you work at night and sleep during the day, it’s even more important to have a bedroom that is dark, cool and comfortable.
Full-length thermal curtains are the best choice for a bedroom, as they provide complete insulation and coverage.
Thermal curtains for your dining room
Hanging a pair of pinch-pleat thermal curtains to your dining room adds style and cold-blocking functionality. These curtains look elegant and keep your guests from shivering during dinner parties.
Short insulated curtains for your family room or kids’ room
While floor-length curtains provide the best insulation and coverage, sometimes they’re not ideal.
If you have children or pets, use apron-length thermal curtains that don’t pose a hazard. You should also use shorter curtains if you don’t have enough space to let curtains extend to the floor.
Read: How to Measure for Curtains the Right Way
Blackout curtains for your home office or den
If you have a home office that lets in too much sunlight when you’re trying to work, consider adding a pair of blackout panels.
These floral panels add a decorative, casual touch to any den or workspace.
Make your own energy efficient curtains
If you’re handy with a sewing machine, the possibilities are endless for making DIY energy efficient curtains! Check out our handy guide, Easy DIY Thermal Curtains to Insulate Your Home.
More Tips to Stay Comfortable and Save Energy Year-Round
- Keep your windows closed if your heater or air conditioner is on. An open window can result in a 20% airflow loss.
- Take steps to winterize your home — seal cracks around windows and doors where air can leak out.
- Hang full-length curtains to slow air from entering or leaving a room.
- Add a curtain to a window with blinds to help cover air gaps.
- Layer curtains on a double curtain rod if energy efficient curtains are out of your budget.
Use Kwik-Hang for Your Heavy Thermal Curtains
Energy efficient curtains are heavier than regular curtains, so you’ll need extra reinforcement to support the additional weight. But don’t be deterred by the curtain-hanging process!
Kwik-Hang’s durable, no-drill curtain rod brackets hold up to 20 pounds, so they’re perfect for hanging your new insulated curtains.
Kwik-Hang makes hanging curtains and decorating easy. Absolutely no measuring, drilling or damage required! Install your curtain rod brackets and curtains with just a few hammer tips, add your curtain rod and you’re all set!
Your energy efficient room awaits – checkout Kwik-Hang curtain rods and brackets today.
