Saw this news segment yesterday about how thermal curtains are supposedly a game changer for drafty windows. They had this homeowner on there saying she cut her heating bill by like 20% just by hanging these thick curtains. I mean, sounds pretty impressive, but I'm always skeptical about these quick-fix solutions you see on TV.
I've got some pretty drafty windows myself (old house problems, you know), and I've tried weather stripping and plastic film before. It helps a bit, but nothing dramatic. So I'm wondering if anyone here has actually tried thermal curtains and noticed a real difference? Or is this just another one of those things that sounds great in theory but doesn't really pan out in practice?
Curious to hear if anyone's had personal experience with these things before I go spending money on yet another home improvement experiment...
I've had thermal curtains up for about two winters now, and honestly, they're decent but not exactly life-changing. My place is an older build too, and while the curtains definitely cut down on drafts near the windows (you can feel the difference standing close), I can't say I've noticed a huge drop in my heating bill. Maybe a slight improvement, but nowhere near 20%. Still, they're comfy and make rooms feel warmer overall, so I don't regret getting them. Just keep expectations realistic.
"Maybe a slight improvement, but nowhere near 20%."
Yeah, that 20% figure always seemed a bit optimistic to me too. I've installed thermal curtains in a few older homes, and while clients generally like the comfort factor, the actual energy savings can vary quite a bit. Honestly, if your windows are really drafty, curtains alone probably won't cut it. Have you considered pairing them with weatherstripping or even window film? I did that at my own place—also an older build—and noticed a bigger difference than curtains alone. The curtains definitely help with comfort and aesthetics, but for noticeable savings on heating bills, sealing up those drafts directly tends to be more effective. Just my two cents from experience...