Window Covering Answers

Solarize Inflector Window Systems.     It gets cold in Maine. Really cold. This product is a great testament to the reality that Yankee ingenuity still lives.  I don't know when I have been so thrilled with a product. This seems like a great answer to those of us who live in cold climates and who need greater savings on our energy costs.     http://www.shoreenergy.ca/inflector_blinds.html http://solarizewindowinsulators.com/    

Patio Doors and Foiling Heat Loss With the onslaught of cold weather I am always searching for ways that we can save heat and energy at the window. Patio doors although delightful are a minus in the winter time. The large window expanse is often cold and drafty. Now I know that not everyone will want to see the shiny aluminum as part of their décor. However, these shutters can save you money. I might add another set of curtains over the shiny shutters just to make the room a little less austere.  But the basic principles are exactly what is needed for patio doors. Saving energy at the window means we are lowering our carbon footprint too! http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/Astrofoil/AstrofoilShutters.htm

How to make your Own Thermal Curtains  I am always looking for new ways of creating value at the window when we are talking energy savings. Here is a delightful article and video that shows exactly how to improve your heat savings at the window. The basic principles are all here. http://www.appropedia.org/How_to_make_awesome_thermal_curtains                        

Insulated window shutters   And now for something completely different!   I have long been a fan of insulated shutters. Mostly shutters follow a plantation design, but in the north where winters are very cold... some windows are just a recipe for heat loss.   So tonight,  I am adding this small video which shows an early prototype of what is really needed in homes today. Cheap oil is gone, energy saving is in and this is one way to do it.   Other methods include this one from Mother Earth News:     http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/thermal-panel-window-insulation.aspx#axzz2krViIpYr       And from Lifehacker:   http://lifehacker.com/5949581/diy-insulating-door-or-window-shutters     As I poke around the Net, I will be posting more versions of do it yourself shutters....