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Add close-fitting thermal curtains or blinds
Thermal curtains and blinds cut draughts and block cold surfaces from making people uncomfortable. The cheapest option is tightly woven or foam-backed lined curtains that fit well. More expensive options perform better because they use fancier materials or trap air movement by adding a box at the top (a 'pelmet') or are blinds that attach to the window frame. Some home sewers can make cheap but effective curtains and blinds.
You can put a curtain on a fire exit to help during a building’s warm-up, but it must be left open when people are in.
"Heavy, lined curtains … can reduce heat loss [from single-glazed sash windows] by 14%."
— Historic Environment Scotland advice web page
Further information
- Thermal performance of traditional windows (technical) (from Historic Environment Scotland)
- Minimum Standards For Clergy Housing Guidance
- How to make thermally interlined curtains (from National Trust)
- How to make thermal Roman blinds (from Do It Yourself (website))