Over 600,000 New Zealand homes have inadequate insulation—and as winter rolls in, that can mean higher power bills, colder rooms, and less comfortable living spaces. But there’s good news: one of the most effective and affordable ways to reduce heat loss in your home could be right in front of your windows.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how insulating curtains and blinds can transform your home’s energy efficiency, make it easier to stay warm, and save you money.
Why Does Heat Escape So Easily from Homes?
According to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA):
- 42% to 45% of heat is lost through the windows
- 12% to 15% through the floor
- 18% to 25% through the walls
- 11% to 14% through the roof
- 10% to 12% through uninsulated areas like chimneys and leaks
This means that your windows are one of the biggest culprits of heat loss—especially if they’re single-glazed or uncovered.
How Do Insulated Curtains Work?
When it’s cold outside, windows cool the air around them, causing it to drop and create chilly drafts across your room. Without proper insulation, this cycle continues and drives up your energy usage.
Insulating curtains and blinds work by:
- Creating a thermal barrier between your room and the cold glass
- Trapping warm air inside your home
- Preventing the movement of cold air into your living space
But not all curtains are created equal.
What Makes a Curtain “Insulated”?
To effectively reduce heat loss, a curtain must have:
- A high-quality insulating lining (like a sewn-in single-layer fabric with an acrylic backing)
- A tight fit to the window frame
- A design that reaches the floor to prevent drafts
- Enough width to overlap window edges, creating a seal
At the Auckland Drape Company, we recommend insulating linings with separate sewn-in layers, which trap air more effectively between different materials. This makes them much more efficient than traditional single-layer curtains.
Real Energy Savings, Real Comfort
According to EECA, when closed at night, well-fitted thermal curtains and blinds can:
- Reduce heat loss through single-glazed windows by 60%
- Boost double-glazed window efficiency by 40% to 50%
That’s comparable to upgrading to double glazing—without the major renovation costs.
The Hidden Problem with Short Curtains
Did you know that curtains stopping short of the floor can actually make insulation worse?
They allow warm air to slip behind the curtain and be cooled at the window, which then drops and circulates as cold air. Curtains that sit snugly on the floor help stop this air current and seal in the warmth.
Get Expert Advice on Insulated Curtains
Choosing the right thermal window treatments isn’t just about fabric—it’s about design, fit, and function. At the Auckland Drape Company, we specialize in custom-made, energy-efficient curtains and blinds tailored to your space and your needs.
Ready to Warm Up Your Home?
Contact our team today to book a free consultation or visit our showroom. Let’s make your home warmer, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable this winter.
