Penny pinching at the window
As the first snows are predicted for this week. I think about all the homes with far too much window, homes with windows that are drafty, or leak heat. I think about all the apartments built in the past with little or no insulation in the walls, windows that haven't been updated since the sixties. I shiver when I think about the surfeit of old, leaky patio doors.
Recently I learned that even the most modern of windows only have an R-value of 5 at the most. How discouraging.
Not everyone has the means to change their window circumstances. My suggestions for increasing warmth and decreasing energy loss are small methods that may be of use to others.
I base these ideas upon observation of what works and what doesn't. Here in Canada we often use transparent plastic to create a dead air space around and in front of the window. Dead air being one of the best insulators. We simply tape that plastic to the frame of the window. Creating an airtight seal. That works but is inconvenient if you need to open that window for better air quality.
How did people do this in the 19th century? Interior and exterior shutters were successfully employed. Heavy draperies that were 3 and 4 times a window's width created dead air pockets. Roller blinds sitting on the frame of the window. Lace curtains with deep flounces provided even more protection from the wintry blasts.
http://www.oldhouseonline.com/5-ideas-for-historic-window-treatments/
Why introduce such an old look at the window? For the sake of your pocketbook and for the sake of the planet. Cold seeps in molecule by molecule, each tiny mote exchanging heat for cold. Anything that breaks that pattern up will save some energy, create a warmer environment and in a small way save the planet. Small steps.
So towards that end. Any inexpensive clear shower curtain installed with a tension rod on the window will help to break up that heat exchange pattern.
Windows that have several layers of draperies will also block that molecular heat for cold exchange. Even the old standard of sheers (Voiles) at the window will effectively transfer cold to the floor instead.
The more handy of you might try making removable styrofoam shutters that further keep the warm in and the cold out. The days of cheap energy are over. We want cleaner air and better environments. Aren't window treatments one small way to do your part?
Recently I learned that even the most modern of windows only have an R-value of 5 at the most. How discouraging.
Not everyone has the means to change their window circumstances. My suggestions for increasing warmth and decreasing energy loss are small methods that may be of use to others.
I base these ideas upon observation of what works and what doesn't. Here in Canada we often use transparent plastic to create a dead air space around and in front of the window. Dead air being one of the best insulators. We simply tape that plastic to the frame of the window. Creating an airtight seal. That works but is inconvenient if you need to open that window for better air quality.
How did people do this in the 19th century? Interior and exterior shutters were successfully employed. Heavy draperies that were 3 and 4 times a window's width created dead air pockets. Roller blinds sitting on the frame of the window. Lace curtains with deep flounces provided even more protection from the wintry blasts.
http://www.oldhouseonline.com/5-ideas-for-historic-window-treatments/
Why introduce such an old look at the window? For the sake of your pocketbook and for the sake of the planet. Cold seeps in molecule by molecule, each tiny mote exchanging heat for cold. Anything that breaks that pattern up will save some energy, create a warmer environment and in a small way save the planet. Small steps.
So towards that end. Any inexpensive clear shower curtain installed with a tension rod on the window will help to break up that heat exchange pattern.
Windows that have several layers of draperies will also block that molecular heat for cold exchange. Even the old standard of sheers (Voiles) at the window will effectively transfer cold to the floor instead.
The more handy of you might try making removable styrofoam shutters that further keep the warm in and the cold out. The days of cheap energy are over. We want cleaner air and better environments. Aren't window treatments one small way to do your part?
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