When the time comes to invest in new curtains for your home or business, you’ll have some choices to make. Of course, you’ll want something stylish that matches your decor, but it might also be worth looking at some energy-efficient curtains that can reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Energy-efficient window coverings help keep your building at a steady temperature, which can reduce your energy expenses. They come in various colors and styles, so you’ll have some choices to make.
Here’s a look at some of the best energy-efficient curtains on the market today.
What Are Energy-Efficient Curtains?
Energy-efficient curtains reduce heat loss or gain in a room, helping you keep a comfortable indoor temperature year-round. The gist is that the curtains’ materials and design features help insulate your windows so inside air doesn’t escape and outside air doesn’t get in.
These curtains typically have thick, dense fabrics or special linings that trap air, creating an insulating barrier between the indoor and outdoor environments. In fact, blackout curtains can reduce thermal energy loss by up to 25%.
During colder months, energy-efficient curtains help keep warm air inside, reducing the need for heating. In warmer months, they block out heat from the sun, helping to keep the room cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Investing in these curtains can reduce your energy bills and create a more stable indoor temperature. They also lower your carbon footprint because you’ll be less reliant on energy-hungry heating and cooling systems.
Types of Energy-Efficient Curtains
There are several types of energy-efficient curtains, each with unique features that help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. Here are three of the most popular options:
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains have heavy, insulating materials that block heat transfer through windows. These curtains typically have a thick, heat-reflective fabric lining that helps trap warmth inside throughout the winter and keeps some heat out in the spring and summer.
Your heating and cooling systems will also work less often when you have thermal curtains because they prevent drafts.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains block out light but also provide energy-saving benefits. The dense fabric in blackout curtains prevents heat from entering the room during hot days and helps retain warmth inside when the weather is cold.
By keeping sunlight out, these curtains help with temperature control and contribute to better sleep and increased privacy. The energy-saving benefits are a bonus because they limit the heat exchange through your windows, improving comfort and reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling.
Cellular Honeycomb Curtains
Cellular honeycomb curtains have air pockets that trap air and provide excellent insulation. The honeycomb structure creates a barrier that prevents heat from escaping during winter and blocks outside heat in the summer.
This design helps maintain a stable temperature indoors, reducing the need for heating or cooling.
You should also know that honeycomb curtains are beneficial in both cold and warm climates because they offer year-round energy efficiency. Their lightweight, insulating properties make them an excellent choice for improving energy conservation while maintaining comfort.
Features to Look for in Energy-Efficient Curtains
When selecting energy-efficient curtains, you’ll want to focus on a few features that maximize their effectiveness.
- Fabric Types: The best energy-efficient curtains are made from heavy, thick materials or specially lined fabrics. These dense fabrics help to block heat transfer. Look for curtains made from materials like velvet, wool, or polyester, which naturally offer better insulation.
- Light-Blocking Ability: Curtains with light-blocking features, such as blackout fabrics, are excellent for controlling the amount of heat that enters your home. These curtains prevent sunlight from heating the room
- Insulating Properties: Thermal linings or multi-layered fabrics are a major part of energy-efficient curtains. These added layers help trap air, providing an extra barrier against temperature changes.
- UV Protection: Curtains with UV protection can also reduce heat from the sun. UV-blocking coatings prevent sunlight from entering, decreasing heat buildup inside and protecting your furniture from sun damage.
The more you focus on curtains with the right features, the easier it becomes to find the perfect set for your home.
Installation Tips for Maximum Efficiency
Proper installation is incredibly important when using your new curtains.
First, you’ll want to make sure the curtains fit the window properly, leaving no gaps at the sides or bottom where drafts can sneak through. Installing curtains as close to the window frame as possible helps to block drafts and prevents air from escaping.
You should also choose curtain rods that allow full window coverage or even extend a little beyond the edges. Going with a longer rod means your curtains will completely cover the glass. This setup creates an insulating barrier that maximizes energy efficiency throughout the year.
Buy Your Energy-Efficient Curtains
No matter the type of curtains you’re looking for, The Curtain Shop has an option for you. We carry a wide selection of blackout, insulated, thermal, and honeycomb curtains and shades in various colors and styles. Call us at 1-800-385-4211 or contact us online to learn more.
