- Definitely agree on checking the seals—weatherstripping is a quick win.
- Another thing to consider: window film. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and surprisingly effective at reducing heat loss.
- If your budget allows, upgrading to double or triple-pane windows makes a huge difference. Big upfront cost, but pays off long-term in heating bills.
- Also, don’t overlook caulking around exterior frames. Small gaps there can leak more heat than you'd think...
- Curtains help for sure, but combining multiple solutions usually gives the best results.
Has anyone tried thermal blinds? I put some up last winter, and honestly, they worked better than curtains alone. Curious if others found the same or if it was just my imagination...
I've been thinking about thermal blinds myself, but do they really outperform those heavy blackout curtains? I mean, curtains seem thicker...maybe it's something about the blinds' material or fit? Curious what brand or type you used.
"I've been thinking about thermal blinds myself, but do they really outperform those heavy blackout curtains? I mean, curtains seem thicker...maybe it's something about the blinds' material or fit?"
I get why you'd think thicker curtains would naturally insulate better—makes sense intuitively—but honestly, thickness alone isn't always the key factor. I've tried both blackout curtains and thermal blinds in my place (big windows, older house...you know the drill), and surprisingly, the blinds ended up being more effective overall.
Here's the thing: curtains might feel heavier and thicker, but they're usually hung with gaps around the sides and bottom. Those little gaps let cold air seep in and warm air escape, especially if your windows aren't perfectly sealed. Thermal blinds, on the other hand, tend to fit snugly within the window frame itself. That tighter fit can make a huge difference in keeping heat inside your room.
Material matters too. Good thermal blinds often have reflective coatings or honeycomb structures designed specifically for insulation. The honeycomb ones trap air pockets that act as insulation barriers—pretty clever design actually. Curtains usually don't have these specialized features; they're just thick fabric layers without much engineering behind them.
I went with cellular shades from Bali (got a decent deal online), and they've noticeably cut down drafts near my windows. My heating bills dropped enough to notice after installing them last winter. Not saying curtains are useless—they definitely help—but if you're serious about cutting heating costs, I'd lean toward thermal blinds or shades designed specifically for insulation.
Just my two cents based on personal experience...your mileage may vary depending on your home's specifics though.
Totally agree about the gaps around curtains—had a client last year who swore by heavy velvet drapes, but when we swapped them out for honeycomb blinds, she couldn't believe the difference. It's all about sealing those sneaky little drafts...and maybe some witchcraft in that honeycomb design.
Had a similar experience myself—client insisted on thick curtains, convinced they'd solve everything. But once we sealed up the edges properly and switched to cellular blinds, the room felt noticeably warmer. Makes me wonder how much heat we lose through those tiny gaps...
Yeah, those tiny gaps are sneaky little heat thieves. I used to think thick curtains were the holy grail too, until I actually felt the draft coming from the sides. Ended up using weatherstripping tape around the window frames—cheap and easy fix, and it made a surprising difference. Still love big windows though...guess it's just about sealing them right and maybe layering up solutions.
Totally relate to this! I remember one winter, I was convinced my big windows were the culprit behind my crazy heating bills. Tried heavy curtains, blankets, even bubble wrap (yeah, desperate times...), but nothing really helped until I sealed those sneaky gaps around the frames. Weatherstripping tape was a game changer for me too—cheap and surprisingly effective. Glad you found a solution that lets you keep enjoying those beautiful windows without freezing your toes off.
"Weatherstripping tape was a game changer for me too—cheap and surprisingly effective."
Funny you mention weatherstripping because I was pretty skeptical at first. I mean, how much difference could some sticky foam really make, right? But last winter, my heating bill shot up so high I started getting suspicious of my big living room windows too. They're gorgeous, sure, but man they felt like ice-cold radiators in reverse. I tried heavy curtains, thinking they'd do the trick—nope. Then I got desperate enough to try that plastic shrink film stuff (you know, the kind you stick on with tape and blast with a hairdryer?). Honestly, it worked better than expected, but I couldn't stand how cloudy it made the view. Felt like I was staring through fog all winter.
Finally caved and went the weatherstripping route after a friend insisted it worked wonders for her old farmhouse windows. I remember thinking, "Fine, I'll spend five bucks to prove her wrong." But wow, she was actually right. It didn't completely eliminate the chill near the windows, but it made a noticeable difference, especially around those sneaky little gaps you mentioned.
Still, I'm not totally convinced big windows are always worth it energy-wise. They're beautiful and brighten up the space, but even sealed up tight, they tend to let heat escape more than solid walls. My neighbor solved this by installing double-pane insulated windows—pricey upfront but apparently pays off over time. I'm still weighing that option myself...maybe someday when I'm feeling flush with cash.
Anyway, glad sealing worked out for you too. Sometimes the simplest solutions really do surprise me.
Double-pane windows do make a noticeable difference, especially if your current ones are older single-pane. But yeah, they're definitely an investment upfront. You might also consider thermal blinds—less cloudy than plastic film and easier to manage than heavy curtains. Just another option to think about...