Waukesha County Home

Dear Jim: I should replace my old win- dows for winter, but I cannot afford more debt now. Is installing insulating window shades or curtains a viable alternative and which types are best? — Carol D. Dear Carol: Old windows can account for a substantial amount of heat loss from a house. This is because a single pane of glass has an insulating value of only about R-1, whereas an insulated wall may be R-17. The window will lose 17 times more heat per square foot than the wall. Also, there is air leakage around windows which further increases heat loss and creates chilly drafts. Another indirect energy loss from win- dows, even double-pane ones without low-e (low-emissivity) coatings, is radiant heat loss. Even though the room air is adequate- ly warm for comfort, you feel chilly near the clear cold glass. When someone feels chilly, they often set the furnace thermostat a little higher making the furnace run longer and using more energy. The savings from installing insulating shades or curtains often provides a much faster payback than expensive replacement windows. Many people still choose replace- ment windows because of cleaning conven- ience, less furniture fading, nice appear- ance, or their old windows are totally shot. The additional insulating value from indoor window coverings can range from R- 1 to R-5, but the insulation is only part of the story. Insulating shades which have the edges trapped in vertical side tracks are most effective. This reduces the room air flow around the shade and across the cold glass to save energy and reduce window condensation. Last fall, I installed Warm Window insu- lated Window Quilt shades in my home office where I am writing this column. I realize a significant overall savings because I feel much more comfortable in this room. I am able to set the furnace thermostat three degrees lower than before and not be chilly. These shades use a quilted, multilayer fabric with heat reflective film in the center. This layer reflects the radiant heat back indoors and minimizes air and moisture migration through the fabric. The plastic side tracks stick to the wall opening with double-sticky tape, so they were easy to install. A pull rope is used to roll them up under a matching fabric cover box. Making Roman shades yourself is anoth- er attractive and efficient option and an interesting family project. Use as many material layers as possible so it still folds up. These are more applicable for smaller windows because of their bulkiness. Insert some type of reflective film near the center layer. The film does not have to be thick to be effective. Reflective Mylar is a good choice and easy to find at most craft stores. Also, many efficient Roman shade do-it-yourself kits are available on the inter- net. Another option is a lightweight cellular pleated shade. When it is hanging down over the window, the cells open up to create insulating dead air spaces. Some typical- looking blackout window curtains use a dense weave to block 99 percent of the light, most air migration and provide substantial insulation value. Compare the thickness of the weaves when selecting them. The following companies offer insulating shades and curtains: Country Curtains, (800) 937-1237, www.countrycurtains.com; Cozy Curtains, (406) 721-1595, www.cozycur- tains.com; Smith and Noble, (800) 248-8888, www.smithandnoble.com; Symphony Shades, (877) 966-3678, www.cellularwindow- shades.com; and Warm Company, (800) 234- 9276, www.warmcompany.com. Dear Jim: My house has a stucco exteri- or. Several years ago, mold started to grow on it. It was professionally cleaned and painted, but the mold is beginning to grow back. How can I keep it from repeatedly coming back? - Kent P. Dear Kent: Mold requires moisture, organic nutrients (dirt) and mold spores to grow. If you can remove a few tree limbs to allow sun to reach the wall, the sun's rays can slow the mold growth and the heat will help keep it dry. Wash down the wall periodically with a cleaner, which inhibits mold growth. Some cleaners, such as oxygen bleach, will not harm landscaping. Make sure the gutters are not leaky so the soil does not stay damp near that house wall after a rain. (Send inquiries to James Dulley, The Free- man, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.) HOME DECEMBER 2017 4 James Dulley This Insulated Window Quilt shade in Dulley's home office increases the R-value of the window from R-2 to R-7 and reduces air leakage. Warm Company This is a cutaway corner section of a piece of material from an insulated Roman shade kit. Notice the reflective film in the center between the thick insulating layers. Create a warming trend in your house with insulating shades or curtains JAMES DULLEY

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