Keep The Heat In With Window Warmers
What Are Window Warmers™?
“Window Warmers are insulating Roman Shades designed to prevent heat loss and cold infiltration which occurs with conventional draperies,” says Carla Mason, owner of Creative Energy located on Williamson Street in Madison. “They also enhance your home’s décor through the choice of appropriate fabric. ”The core of the Window Warmer is a layer of Thermolite bonded fiber covered by a vapor barrier and enclosed in fabric. The design of the Window Warmer incorporates aesthetics and heat retention while allowing for light filtration.
The distinction between Window Warmers and conventional “thermal” draperies is the effective all-around seal which eliminates cold drafts passing around the edges of the curtain keeping the heat in. Based on the R-values of these components, Window Warmers add an estimated R-factor of 4 to an existing window. This value includes the air space created between the shade and window. With Window Warmers in place, the heat loss through a double glazed window is reduced by about two thirds.
“Studies have shown, even in well-insulated homes, up to half of your heat can escape through your windows, including double glazed styles, making cozy rooms drafty,” Mason says,“that loss inflates your heating bill. Sliding glass doors are the worst offenders.”
Let the sun warm your home by raising your Window Warmers during the day, then at night or on dreary days, lower them to keep the warmth inside. As an added bonus, Window Warmers can greatly reduce your cooling needs during the summer by closing them during hot weather. This keeps your home noticeably cooler all day long.
How Did Window Warmers™ Come About?
“Window Warmers, our signature product, and Creative Energy, grew out of a grass-roots community effort to build awareness about energy conservation,” explains Mason. “Public education through forums and energy fairs was our primary focus.” In 1977, Creative Energy obtained a grant to design and develop an insulated window covering, called Window Warmers that home owners could make themselves. People liked the product, but said they had no time to make their own. When asked, If one was produced one for them would they be interested? They said definitely, and the rest is history. Two years later, Creative Energy set up their storefront. While manufacturing and selling Window Warmers, they began selling other insulated window treatments such as WINDOW QUILT, by Appropriate Technology in Vermont, now out of business. Throughout the past 30 years Creative Energy has expanded to include all types of shades, blinds, custom draperies and home goods as well as design services while still specializing in energy-saving window treatments.
