The Importance of Curtains in a Healthy Home
Curtains, blinds, or other effective window coverings are an essential way to ensure your home is healthy. Here’s why.
Curtains are good for insulation: Curtains reduce the amount of air exchange between a cold window and the rest of the room. For keeping heat inside the home, high-quality curtains can reduce heat loss by around 40%. This means you will be less susceptible to illness in winter and will save money on your heating bill.
The insulation efficiency of curtains depends on the fabric type (closed or open weave), colour and weight. Curtains also function as effective insulators to help keep your home cool in the warmer months.
Dust build-up and allergens: Curtains prevent allergens from getting into your rooms. When your windows are open, dust particles and pollen enter your home. Curtains function as a barrier and collect these particles. They also prevent moisture from condensation on windows entering your room at night.
Because curtains collect these particles, it is important to keep your curtains clean to prevent mould, dust and pollen build-up. Mould in particular will result in a less healthy home and is associated with several health problems.
Correct curtain installation matters for a healthy home: Curtains should completely cover the window and be as close to the window pane as possible, particularly if insulation or light-blocking are your priorities. This effectively ‘seals’ the room from heat, moisture and light exchange through windows.
Make sure you open your curtains during the day to keep your home healthy: The sun naturally keeps your home warm during the day. It also has antibacterial properties; open your curtains every day to prevent mould developing on the furniture and carpets in your home. Close your curtains at sundown to retain the sun's heat, keep your home insulated, and keep your rooms dark so you can enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep - another health tick!
Curtains naturally attract dust and absorb odours over time. It is recommended to have your curtains cleaned every 3 to 6 months. Having your curtains cleaned on a regular basis is a good idea to keep your house fresh and clean.
If you would like to know more about how curtains improve health in the home, or book your curtains or blinds in for a maintenance clean, contact the team at Curtain Clean on 0800 579 0501.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.6% Yes
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32.8% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?
More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.
Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).