Why cover your windows?

Glazing is often the weakest link in a dwelling when it comes to winter heat loss or summer heat gain. In fact, a single-glazed three millimetre thick pane of glass can lose from 10-15 times more heat than an insulated wall of the same area. Alternately, the heat gain in summer can be just as extreme.

35% of the energy used by an average Australian home goes on heating and cooling. If you dont have adequate insulation and window coverings, then you are wasting money!

To reduce winter heat loss or summer heat gain, it is necessary to trap a layer of insulating still air between the window and the room. Savings of up to 40% on your energy bills can be achieved with the correct window coverings.

So, to maintain the still air layer, window coverings must be opaque and closely woven, befitted completely over the window and have a barrier at the top such as a boxed pelmet. Alternatively , they can be recessed into the window reveal.

Appropriate coverings include drapes, holland blinds, roman blinds and shutters. Avoid vertical blinds and timber venetians which do not give a good air seal. Sheer curtains can be used in conjunction with heavy drapes to further reduce the transmission of harmful UV rays.

The knowledgeable staff at More Than Curtains can advise you on the correct and most effective window coverings for your home that could save you hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bills!! Also, an added benefit is that you will significantly reduce your home's carbon footprint!

Call 0412 225 437 or email us at lucia1@bigpond.com for an appointment

This table shows the percentage of heat/cold transmitted through windows:

Unprotected single glazing 100%

Verticals, venetians 100%

holland blinds, unlined drapes 92%

lined drapes, no pelmet 87%

double glazing 67%

lined drapes with pelmet 63%

double glazing, lined drapes, pelmnet 46%

Source:http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/Window_protection.pdf