What Are Window Blankets?

Why Window Blankets?

• According to the Colorado-based Flatiron Research Group — a manufacturer of window blankets — space heating is one of the biggest utility expenses in North American homes. That is because, while your walls may have insulation to trap heat inside, more than likely, your windows are not up to the challenge. Relatively inexpensive window blankets are an effective, low-cost way to lower your heating expenses.

Science

• On a cold day, much of your house's internal heat escapes through your closed windows. The glass cannot trap the solar heat; thus, you have to resort to measures like cranking up your heater or making a fire in your fireplace. Window blankets are engineered with several internal layers — including extra insulation and a reflecting layer made of coupling film — that bounce that solar energy back inside your home. On a hot day, the blankets can bounce the heat from the sun's rays back outside, keeping your home cooler.

Application

• You won't have to worry about messy adhesives or troublesome installation instructions with your new window blankets. Instead, the blankets stick to your window by way of static electricity, and can thus be easily removed. Additionally, while some manufacturers sell window blankets, you can also make your own. According to writer Cynthia Rush, all you need to make your own window blankets are reflective foil insulation, contact paper, duct tape, scissors, measuring tape and some fabric fastener strips.

Tips

• Your homemade window blankets don't have to be ugly or dull — add some pretty fabrics that match your home decor to the outside of your panels and you'll have something fashionable and budget friendly. During the summer, you'll want to keep your window blankets rolled down during the day, keeping the heat out; at night, when it cools down, you can roll them up.