Choosing energy saving curtains and drapes can help your reduce your energy consumption and save you money. With today’s fabric choices, it’s easy to find window treatments that are energy efficient and stylish, with superior insulating properties. As an added benefit (depending on construction and fabric) these window treatments can help block or filter UV rays, which can fade your carpets and furniture.
What Makes Up “Energy Saving Curtains and Drapes?”
There are a few terms you should know when considering energy saving curtains and drapes:
“Blackout draperies” refer to heavyweight fabric window panels. These window panels are either coated, lined or interlined with insulating foam. To be called blackout draperies, the panels must block at least 99% of exterior light. These blackout panels are often up to 25% more energy efficient than standard options.
In addition to blocking exterior light, they also help block up to 40% of sound pollution, which can be incredibly useful if you live near a busy road or even a train (yikes!). If window treatments do not meet the requirement for being deemed blackout, they can be referred to as “room darkening” or “light filtering” panels.
Blackout panels are a good choice for rooms in which you need the most control over lighting situations. They are often suitable for media rooms, home theaters or bedrooms in which light and noise-reduction are most needed.
The Heat Factor
The terms “thermal lined,” “interlining” and “lining” refer to extra layers of fabric used to add thickness and energy efficiency to contemporary or casual light-weight fabrics such as jacquards and satins. Interlined panels have an additional layer of lining which is sandwiched in between the standard lining of the outer drapery fabric. If the fabric is thermal-lined, the draperies feature a separate insulated fabric which is used as a lining.
Blackout linings are sometimes comprised of vinyl or heavyweight polyester fabric. “Thermal backed” and “foam backed” refer to draperies which have been coated on the back a with a layer of insulating foam or other material.
How Sheers Play A Part
Sheers (a lightweight curtain made from finely woven fabrics) and other blinds and shades can be added to your energy saving window treatment for aesthetic and functional use, allowing you even more choices. This makes going green an even easier decision.
Whether your reason for purchasing energy saving draperies is to help save the environment or to try and keep more money in your pocket, choosing window treatments that will aid in cutting down on energy consumption are a great idea.
