1416 days ago

Do Thermal Curtains Really Work?

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean Palmerston North

Curtains, particularly thermal lined ones, can reduce heat loss by as much as 60%, depending on the type of windows your home is fitted with. The key to ensuring you get the most out of your curtains is in understanding exactly how heat is lost, and how the use of thermal lined curtains can prevent this.

Understanding the physics: You know the old saying that hot air rises? Well, during cold weather that is exactly what happens, and something called the reverse chimney effect comes into play.

It is widely accepted that cold air is denser, and therefore heavier, than warm air. When it’s cold outside the air close to the window is cooled and sinks down (due to its density increasing with the temperature change). When the cooled air sinks it’s replaced by warmer air from other parts of the room.

As you can imagine, this then creates a circulating current, taking all of your warm air and replacing it with cool air. And just like that, you have lost most of your heat, not just near the window, but in the entire room.

If your curtains are not fitted correctly they form a channel between the window and the curtain, creating a space for the cooled air to sit and increasing the effect of the reverse chimney. The most important aspect to note is that it is the power of each factor combined, which decreases heat loss. No single factor works in isolation.

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

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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22 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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15 days ago

Feilding Repair Cafe

Bev from Feilding

The first Feilding Repair CAFE for 2026 is on Saturday Feb 21 from 10am until noon. The last fix is taken at 11.45am.
We are a team of specialist volunteers who will assess and possibly mend your broken household and garden items. If you can carry or wheel it in we're willing to have a look and see what can be done. Items made of wood, metal, plastic, fabric, ceramic, paper are all considered - we also have a knife and tool sharpener and a jeweler available. You can find us at the Senior Hub 14 Bowen St Feilding .

FEILDING REPAIR CAFE final 2026 poster Feb- April.pdf Download View