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Showing posts from February, 2011

Energy saving window applications

The following site has a huge compendium of energy saving tips, gadgets and new ways of looking at old problems. I suspect I will return to this site again and again. There are so many ways of insulating windows and living more comfortably with a smaller energy footprint.  I have not examined the section on window coverings, but I am impressed with the innovative techniques displayed here. http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/conservation.htm#WindowTreatments

Compromise

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Image via Wikipedia No one likes to - compromise. No one. We want what we want and we want it now! At the window it is all about compromise. Windows and doors occupy a significant metaphorical space in our heads. They are the point at which exterior and interior lives meet.  Sometimes our desire is for shutting things out, other times it is for inviting the world to participate in our lives as we live them, sometimes a window covering will allow both. But that is rare.  Just about as rare as getting two partners to agree on the same window covering. It happens, but only after considerable comment and sometimes one or the other caves...it doesn't seem to matter if it's two men, two women or a man and a woman. Compromise is necessary. 

Today and yesterday

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Image via Wikipedia Two juxtapositions: Most people are aware that venetian blinds, or horizontals have been around for about 100 years but apparently they were once called Persian Blinds for that is where  they were invented over 500 years ago. Roman blinds are even older. Based on the pulley system Roman blinds date from the time of Christ. So why such consistency?  Why are there so few new ways of covering our windows? If we are losing heat or airconditioned coolness through our windows why are there so few innovations in this area?

The Window Covering Hardware Store

Window coverings fail from time to time. Repairs can be costly. This company offers an alternative to the landfill or buying new blinds. Sometimes a new part is all that is needed to extend the life of a favourite blind.  http://www.blindsparts.com/servlet/StoreFront?gclid=CMDAg_7C2ZcCFQKNxwod5T