Windows are usually part of the houses. They are like membranes that let sunlight get in and keep an unpleasant smell outside. On the other hand, windows also let heat transfers from outside to inside or vice versa as heat gain or heat loss. Basically, heat is a form of energy which moves from high-temperature areas to low-temperature areas. However, its movement can be slowed down or stopped by using insulation material.
Air temperature inside the houses will be affected by this heat transfer. The air temperature changing is almost unexpected, because the air heaters or air conditioners work about 25% - 30% harder. Heat transfer might occur through the windows. It might be entering or leaving the houses. So, it is important to prevent this by using insulated curtains.
It is amazing that the curtains have contributed to reducing monthly utility bills. The function of the curtains is not only to beautify but also to improve the comfort of the rooms. When the curtains are installed in the rooms, it means that we are installing the advanced energy efficiency devices.
Insulated curtains can be parts of energy efficiency systems which they are useful to make the room more energy efficient and comfortable. They are not only for blocking light but also preventing heat transfer and reducing noise.
While in the winter and summer, a shocking amount of losing and gaining heat through the windows might occur. It is predicted that about 25% to 30% of heating energy is gone during the winter. Whereas, it is projected that over 75% of the sunlight heat the house in the summer. Consequently, insulated curtains are needed to prevent heat loss or gain.
Insulated curtains are suitable for the winter and summer. In the summer, insulated curtains help cooled air inside the house to be protected from being heated or liberating to outside. While in the winter, the insulated curtains keep heated air inside the house from being cooled or holding inside. Another benefit in the winter, you can open the insulated curtains to warm your room by sunlight during the day and you can leave the insulated curtains close to looking after the warm air inside when the sun goes down. So, the use of an air heater can be reduced. While in the summer, the reverse process should be done to preserve cooled air inside the house. This may reduce the use of air conditioning.
In terms of reducing heat transfer and increasing energy saving in the houses, energy-efficient windows also can achieve a very good performance. Unfortunately, energy-efficient windows are expensive, while insulated curtains can be low-cost which suitable for those on a modest.
When you are going to install insulated curtains, you have to pay attention to its material. Insulated curtains are consisted of four layers, together; these four layers protect the windows against the extreme conditions outside. These four layers are:
1. High-density foam as a core layer which protects windows from high temperature and noise.
2. A vapor gap as a moisture absorber to keep the foam dry.
3. A reflective film layer that returns back heat into the room.
4. A decorative fabric outer layer for redecoration.
It is relatively easy to look after and a little more effort is required to maximize the benefits of using insulated curtains. Insulated curtains are possible to get moisture and mould to grow, especially for those living in a very high humid environment. Furthermore, it is important to open the insulated curtains irregularly to prevent them from moisture and mould. Additionally, a spray-on cleaner and vacuum cleaner can be used to clean the insulated curtains from dust.
To enhance the effectiveness of insulated curtains, there are some useful considerations when you are going to install them. First of all, you have to install as close as possible to the windows. A certain type of tapes such as Velcro or magnetic can be used to fasten the curtains to the windows. It helps to prevent heat sneaking around the curtains.
Preventing vertical airflow
This action also effectively prevents vertical airflow caused by convection at the top and bottom of the window. By cutting of the vertical airflow completely, it will increase the effectiveness of the insulated curtains; you can get
Secondly, we need to fix any leaking due to the old caulking, which decreases the purpose of insulated curtains. The old caulking must be removed and replaced to renew the seal of the window. By doing this, it avoids cold or hot air from leaving or entering the house. A false reading of thermostat might occur when drafts are sneaking through leaking windows.
By these explanations on how efficient curtains work, then we can conclude that heat transfer through the windows can be reduced by installing insulated curtains. When installing insulated curtains, we have to be careful, especially we have to concern on the vertical airflow caused by convection and leaking due to old caulking, otherwise, the purpose of insulated curtains will not work properly. Insulated curtains also play a significant role during winter and summer. Another benefit of using insulated curtains is reducing noise. It is not only keeping noises from outside but also helping soundproof a house. Finally, the insulated curtain is one of the cheapest ways on enhancing energy saving, however, it will help you save the energy up to 25%.
0 comments
Comment Now