Tips on conserving energy with right blinds and curtains

Did you know that a huge percentage of your heat gain and loss occurs through the windows of your house?

Generally we'll insulate our walls, use solid doors on the external faces of our house and even think of our flooring before noticing that a single pane of glass is doing the most damage of all.

Cranking up the heating or air conditioning to compensate for unsuitable blinds or curtains just doesn't cut it in today's environmentally aware, climate conscious society. And with the price of oil increasing, cutting down on energy use can save hundreds of dollars in bills.

The easiest way is to use lined curtains. Curtains with a lining will, when closed, trap air between the window and curtain. This creates a buffer region, making it more difficult for the temperature to be transferred and keeping your internal climate consistent.

Another option available is interlining. Interlining is an additional lining that sits inside the curtain, creating a third barrier between the inside and outside of your house. Curtains that use a bumf interlining can also help with sound insulation.

As technology increases newer products enter the market, such as blinds made specifically with UV and heat glare resistance in mind. Blinds are now available with interwoven aluminium that can reflect radiated heat as well. These are especially suitable for windows that are exposed to direct, hot sunlight.

Do your research and ask your curtains and blinds supplier for an energy saving option to make the most of your new blinds and curtains.