With winter coming, many are looking for thermal window covering ideas to help conserve fuel used for heating. With current concerns about shortages this winter, the need for energy and money-saving ideas is of even greater interest. Homemade or purchased, there are many options for thermal window treatments that can really help keep you warm and cozy. Of course, you can install double-paned or other special window, but a focus on drapes and shades is far less trouble.
To begin with, think about "R" ratings when choosing from thermal window covering ideas. A rating of R-1 is the lowest, about what you would expect from a single pane glass window, and if you touch one, you will understand how little help this is. A simple thing like a thermal shade, which uses some kind of insulation, can be much better, even up to an R-6 rating. (By comparison, walls usually have a minimum R-19, ceilings an R-30.) If you buy a thermal treatment, be sure to check the "R" rating as a gauge of quality and effectiveness.
Shades can be attractive and simple ways to insulate window areas without changing the overall appearance of your windows or replacing favorite curtains or draperies. These may be foam types that use air pockets to insulate or be more of a quilted type. They can be rather expensive but keep in mind you will save on average 10%-25% on heating for a room with these, and in the summer the cooling savings can be much more than that. Comparison shopping can help control the cost.
Curtains are another option and will have several types of insulation to choose from. While they will be more expensive than conventional curtains and drapes, they will save on heating and air conditioning costs year after year, and like thermal shades can also be very useful to suppress noise from outside. Thermal window covering ideas that offer noise reduction or "blackout" light control may be even more attractive. Like shades, handy folks can also make their own for much less than buying them.
Whether you choose curtains or shades, every thermal covering will need a vapor barrier on the inside of the window and preferably directly next to the window pane. This vapor protection layer may be made of Mylar film, vinyl plastics, polyethylene plastics, layered Tyvek, aluminum foil and even some paints. Homemade thermal window covering ideas may be very innovative, and could use plastic bubble wrap, recycled from packing materials, as both insulation and a vapor barrier at not cost at all.
If you decide to be thrifty and "DIY" your window coverings, a simple web search for thermal window covering should bring ideas and even "recipes" for making them. Another source is the self-sufficiency or back to nature type of magazine, or publications that include the word "frugal" somewhere. Keeping your home cool or warm is important, and choosing thermal applications for windows can make a big difference in your wallet and your family's comfort.
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