Window Covering Answers

INSULATING APARTMENT WINDOWS              In my searches to find new ways to improve window treatments that will save energy I found these new videos. It looks like the bubble pack with large bubbles works well and is being used all over the country. Perhaps some manufacturer will find a way to make a blind out of this? Anyway. I keep searching and the world keeps innovating.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sycJwM-w27I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqD5fdEj8t8 http://www.builditsolar.com/index.htm http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-ways-to-insul-37643 And for those of you who are needing another cup of coffee about now... here is another way to save money. A solar design that makes coffee. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-8vBJISgZY

Cold Places need warmer windows Just a short note about two companies that have insulated window treatments: Take a look at the link below to see how window quilts can make a difference. http://cozycurtains.com/ Out in Montana, USA  - winter can get really fierce. No matter how great new windows are, they still leak heat through convection and conduction. These insulated shades with magnetic side trim make a real difference in heat retention. Also from Alaska where it gets even colder Check out Wiggy's for insulated fabric to make your own window treatments. http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=187 For those of you with a sewing machine, Wiggy's makes an ultralight fabric that seems to be ideal for really cold weather. Made in Alaska, where it gets really, really cold, this fabric seems ideal for window quilts.  http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=187

Heat Saver Shades For those of you who are interested in a more sophisticated product .  Heat saver shades offer increased R value, claiming over R-8 on double glazed windows.  http://heatsavershades.com/ This blind which looks like a conventional Roman blind, actually runs in a track which effectively increases the dead air space at the window.

Window Inserts with a difference As the cold weather approaches here in the Northern Hemisphere I found I was looking for new approaches to insulate windows without the huge expense of new windows. Although I have not personally tried this product, I believe that it would work for those of us who need a low cost product. See and examine for yourselves. Short of triple glazing these removable inserts seem ideal for our climate.  Here is the website. http://windowinserts.com/ "These inserts have really made a difference in my house.. with the excessive winds this year in the Northeast as well as the cold the inserts have really made my house much more comfortable." - Matt W See more Reviews Insulate Your Windows & Save Money Now. Order Online - Get a Starter, Ordering & Prices - Reviews - Photos - Product Details - Alternatives - Users - Pay Invoice Online - Links - Home EnergyS

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 inconveni