873 days ago

Window treatments to keep your home warm this winter

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Hamilton

Aren't you tired of sky-high winter power bills? Start with your windows to stop the cold from getting in.
BRANZ, an independent research organisation, says:

• 42% to 45% of heat in houses insulated to Pre-2007 requirements is lost through windows.
• If your home has been built or renovated under the 2007 Building Code, which requires double glazing, you still lose up to 31% of heat through windows.
• Properly fitted curtains and blinds can cut heat loss through single glazed windows by 60% and double glazed windows by 40-50%.

Choosing the right window treatments will help insulate windows and prevent heat loss. Here are three options to answer your "how can I warm up my home?" this winter.

Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds are one of the most energy-efficient window treatments. They are also known as honeycomb or cellular shades. These window coverings feature a honeycomb structure to make an air pocket between the window glass and the room that acts as an insulator, blocking heat and keeping the cold out.

When a heater is running, Honeycomb blinds reduce heat loss through windows by up to 60%, which equals around 10% savings on your heating energy. In hotter months, honeycomb blinds reduce unwanted heat from the sun through windows by up to 60% when installed with a tight fit. They are available in different layering options, including single and double-cell.

Heavy curtains or drapes
Drapes or curtains are another way to insulate your home by adding one extra barrier against the cold winter air. The main difference is that curtains are sized to fit the window, and drapes reach the floor.

Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

Can you crack Today’s neighbourhood conundrum?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Without a bridle or a saddle, across a thing, I ride a-straddle. And those I ride, by help of me, though almost blind, are made to see. What am I?

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3 days ago

Poll: Do you think the idea will work?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The Government will today unveil a radical new plan to www.waikatotimes.co.nz...
|underwrite construction of new private houses|, as high interest rates and an economic downturn make it tough for developers to get finance for new projects.

The new time-limited scheme is designed to de-risk developments, making finance easier to obtain for developers to start building. Developers often have to pre-sell a proportion of dwellings in any development in order to secure finance, which has become much more difficult in the current economic downturn.

Do you think the idea will work? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think the idea will work?
  • 31.6% Yes
    31.6% Complete
  • 26.3% Not sure
    26.3% Complete
  • 42.1% No
    42.1% Complete
19 votes
6 days ago

Poll: Do you think Waikato needs an agency to grow its economy?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato may be getting a new ‘go-to’ body for building the region’s economy.

The previous economic development agency, Te Waka, shut down earlier this year, saying the “passionate advocates” no longer had the resources to do what they’d planned.

Do you think Waikato needs an agency? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think Waikato needs an agency to grow its economy?
  • 20% Yes
    20% Complete
  • 15% Maybe
    15% Complete
  • 65% No
    65% Complete
20 votes