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Is it cold enough for you this winter? When it gets this cold even the best windows and doors need a little help in keeping the cold out. So here are 5 interesting ways to give your hard working windows a helping hand to keep your house warm and your heater bill down.
Idea 1 – Doorway Curtains
You have heard of putting up window curtains over your windows, but have you ever thought of putting up door curtains? Door curtains are essentially just large window curtains that you put up over a door that is primarily glass and/or has glass on the sides and above the door for decoration.
Glass doors allow in more cold air compared to their more solid counterparts, so they need a little extra substance in the winter. Door curtains are closed at night to create a barrier that blocks the cold from getting in your home through the glass. During the day, the curtains are open to provide access to the door.
During the summer you can keep the curtains open all the time or completely remove the curtain.
Idea 2 – Layer Your Window Treatments
If one layer is good, then two layers are better. Instead of going with just one window treatment during the winter, consider putting up two of them to create a double barrier at your window against the cold air.
For example, hang a set of velvet curtains over the top of your blinds or shades.
Idea 3 -Cellular Shades
If you prefer not to layer your window treatments, try a window treatment that is already layered. Cellular shades (honeycomb shades) are pull down shades that are made with folds of fabric and have air pockets on the inside of them. These layers of air and material create multiple barriers to block any cold air that gets past your window.
Idea 4 – Exterior Barn Doors
An exterior barn door on your home is like a giant, exterior, window shutter for your glass doors. It also makes for a very interesting piece of décor on the outside of your home.
When it is cold, the barn door is pulled over your exterior door and is acts almost like a temporary wall in keeping the cold out. It is an excellent addition to have on your home if you live in an area that gets really cold during the winter or a lot of snow.
However, it is a very unique addition and it does not fit the architecture style of all homes.
Idea 5 – Draft Stopper
Many people put draft stoppers at the bottom of their doors to block cold drafts from getting in their homes during the winter. These draft stoppers can be as simple as a rolled up towels or they can be specifically created draft stoppers that you purchase at a store or a craft fair.
You can also use these same draft stoppers on your window sill to block some of the cold air coming in from the bottom of your window until you can get your window fixed or replaced.
Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4929532/list/Easy-Green–9-Low-Cost-Ways-to-Insulate-Windows-and-Doors