Insulating Windows For Winter certainly are a smart choice regardless of what sort of climate you live in. It doesn't matter if you live in Minnesota or Arizona, insulation is important. I reside in San Diego which you might think is just a place you never need insulation and how a homes are designed here, you would think that was true. But it is not. During the winter, the temperature could possibly get down in the 40s and in summer time it could be 100 degrees. And, with little insulation you really feel both extremes.
Among the major culprits of poor insulation is the home's drafty old windows. Fortunately, it can be one of the easiest areas to improve. First, I'd recommend checking the caulking around your window, because there's no sense investing in insulated window treatments if the draft can still sneak around the corners. But even when your windows are air tight, you can still have problems with convection drafts when warm inside air hits the cold window panes.
Time was, not that long ago your choices in window treatments was somewhat limited, especially when it stumbled on energy efficiency. What's promising, though, is that now you have many options when it comes to insulated window treatments.
First, you can choose cellular shades. Top quality manufacturers like Hunter Douglas, Levolor and others have developed innovative cellular shades that use single, double and triple layers of individual cells to stop and absorb drafts. These cellular shades can be purchased in varying light control levels, from semi-opaque to blackout, according to your requirements and, style-wise, they could go formal or casual.
A classic alternative to cellular shades is traditional insulated drapes. Some retailers offer heavy fabric roman shades with concealed magnetic strips to higher trap cold air. Pick a heavy fabric to ensure maximum insulation, or even think about a two-layer treatment with the heavy fabric externally and a far more decorative color or pattern for the interior. Not merely does this provide maximum temperature control, additionally it lets you choose color and fabric combinations. Or, you can combine cellular shades having an insulating drape-style for maximum efficiency that also provides a beautiful layered look.
A lesser known insulating window treatment is plantation shutters, especially composite or vinyl shutters. Shutters don't have quite the insulating properties of cellular shades but they're substantial and give you a fair quantity of insulation when fully closed.
As an area note, all blinds and shades must certanly be installed as flush with the panes as you are able to without interfering with the covering's operation for maximum insulation affect.
In the end, what you choose will undoubtedly be dictated by your financial allowance and style preferences. If you have the budget because of it, triple cell cellular shades are the most efficient. But maybe you reside in a milder climate where that much insulation is unnecessary. In either case, as time passes, your investment can pay for itself in fuel savings and general comfort of a warm and cozy or cool and refreshing home environment.
So, if you should be looking for
Affordable window replacement, consider cellular shades, insulated roman shades or drapes for those drafty windows.
