Window Covering Answers

Cornices as a way to stop drafts One of the ways to eliminate heat from exiting through the window is to use a decorative cornice. Sitting at the top of a window it can be a solid barrier to heat that rises. Usually cornices are expensive or easily outdated. The following video shows a versatile and easy to make cornice that you can use and update many times. What a treat! This video link below shows how easy this product is to make. It seems very innovative to me.  Sometimes just having a simple kit to follow makes all the difference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyHpYbkMxOs http://www.youtube.com/watch? http://www.youtube.com/watch?

File this under CHEAP and EASY!         http://vertigodesignevolution.blogspot.ca/2008/10/great-idea-diy-vinyl-shade-decals.html     In my search on the Net to find easy and inexpensive (thrifty) ways to improve your window coverings I realized that one of the best ways to stop heat from leaving through the windows is to install an inexpensive roller blind. Not only do inexpensive vinyl roller shades block heat transfer at the window fairly effectively, they are a wonderful canvas for whatever you might want to create! Of course choosing to install this shade as an outside mount, instead of inside the trim or recessed, adds an additional advantage to overall draft blocking. To do this effectively you want to make your vinyl shade cloth portion exactly the same width as the outside measurement of the window trim. Or even wider. But let's not get caught up in these details. Just remember that an inside vinyl shade tends to curl at its edges over time and offe

Sites that offer energy saving tips for window coverings. In an effort to reduce energy costs at the window you might find that insulated curtains do a better job than most blinds.  Except for cellular blinds which offer an R-value of between 2.5 to 5, curtains offer greater savings.  Part of this is due to the tight weave, the vinyl backing, and also because curtains tend to have air pockets within the folds of fabric. http://www.dantehill.com/drapery-panels/images/prepared-drapery-panels.jpg Adding a sheer or voile at the window increases dead air between the window and the curtain, plus the cold then travels down the sheer to the floor instead of directly from the cold pane of glass into the room. Yes. I know sheers are not as popular as they once were in the fashion world, but there are beautiful and modern designs that will give you both privacy during the day and added insulation during the dark nights.   http://www.woodyattcurtains.com/articles/wp-content/upl

Garbage Warrior Continued Not that long ago I posted a short link about The Garbage Warrior and radical architect, Mike Reynolds.  His innovative approach to building energy efficient homes is worth studying and perhaps emulating. We are all on this particular earthship and so many of us, need better housing. Housing that doesn't use up so many resources, housing that creates its own energy. Housing that leads to better solutions for the future, when there are so many more of us. Here is the full length documentary courtesy of youtube.  Enjoy and share:

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

Democracy has many faces and these days the most interesting face that democracy shows is in the way it is moving towards lower costs for power and towards more sustainable electricity. The video link below shows how citizens in Boulder, Colorado intend to shape the future. All of this will hasten change and move us in a better direction. Locally owned power systems have always saved a community money and taxes. Cutting out the middle man pays a huge dividend for everyone involved. With lower costs and greener electricity more companies will be able to expand their bottom line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh1qCf-ohOQ