Insulation Pro Tips: Mastering Winter Warmth
For most people, winter is the season when their furnace or heat pump runs 24/7, leaving them with a hefty energy bill. However, there are ways to efficiently insulate your home and keep the heat inside. Here are the top methods.
Installing thermal curtains
Thermal curtains are specifically designed to retain heat within a room or prevent its entry. They are made of two to four layers of different materials that serve different purposes. The inner layer is often a decorative fabric that enhances the look of your home. It could be made of silk, wool, linen, cotton or polyester.
The middle layer is the insulator. It is made of foam, thick cotton, felt or polyester. This layer helps to trap warm air inside while preventing cold air from seeping in through your windows.
The outermost layer, which faces the window or your door, serves as the lining that blocks the cold air, moisture, and sunlight from entering your home. If you buy a thermal curtain that you can also use in the summer, this layer would also be reflective to keep heat out.
In order to maximize their effectiveness, thermal curtains should fit snugly against your windows or doors. They are usually hung on rods that extend beyond the frame of the window or door. This creates an overlap effect that leaves no gaps for air to pass through. You can also use magnetic strips or adhesive tape to seal any remaining gaps.
Thermal curtains have other benefits, such as:
Noise reduction
Protecting furniture from fading
Privacy
Versatility
Sealing air leaks
Air leaks can easily make your home cold during winter, causing you to crank up your heater even higher. Thermal curtains are an excellent way to seal air leaks around windows and doors. But other methods, like weather stripping, caulking, and using draft stoppers, can also be effective.
Weather stripping involves applying a strip of material (usually rubber or foam) to the edges of the window or door frame. Caulking is the process of filling small gaps and cracks around windows and doors with a waterproof sealant. Draft stoppers are fabric tubes filled with insulating material, like foam or polyester, that can be placed at the bottom of doors and windows to prevent drafts. Ace Handyman Services can help you with these tasks to keep your home properly sealed and energy efficient.
Enhancing your previous insulation
Revisit your attic, basement, and other areas of your home where insulation is present. Insulation materials can settle over time, creating gaps that allow heat to escape. Adding extra insulation or replacing old insulation can help increase the energy efficiency of your home during winter. You can also consider using reflective foil insulation sheets, which reflect heat back into your home and prevent it from escaping through the roof.
Winter doesn't have to mean high energy bills and uncomfortable living spaces. By implementing simple energy-efficient measures such as using thermal curtains, sealing air leaks, and enhancing insulation, you can create a warm and cozy environment in your home. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram to learn about more home improvement tips and tricks for all seasons.
