Is installing insulating window shades or curtains a viable option and which types are best?
A. Windows account for a substantial amount of heat loss from a house. This is because a single pane of glass has an insulating value of only about R-1, whereas an insulated wall may be R-17. The window will lose 17 times more heat per square foot than the wall. Also, there is air leakage around windows that further increases heat loss and creates chilly drafts. Another indirect energy loss from windows, even double-pane ones without low-emissivity coatings, is radiant heat loss. Even though the room air is adequately warm for comfort, you feel chilly near the clear cold glass. When someone feels chilly, that person will often set the furnace thermostat a little higher making the furnace run longer and using more energy. The savings from installing insulating shades or curtains often provides a much faster payback than expensive replacement windows. Many people still choose replacement windows because of cleaning convenience, less furniture fading, nice appearance or their old windows
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