Consumer's curtain investigation; how to keep warm this winter
Keeping your home this winter doesn't have to put you in debt, but you will have to be creative.
Consumer have revealed the best curtains to invest in as temperatures begin to cool down to help stop nearly two-thirds of a home's heat from going out its windows.
Honeycomb blinds - which have hexagonal shaped cells in its structure - were the standout performer of the five different blinds tested. Others involved were roman, roller and aluminium and wooden venetians. Both thermal and heavy-lined curtains were also tested.
Consumer head of testing Dr Paul Smith said the heat loss test was measured through an aluminium-framed single-glazed window with each curtain hung for at least three hours. He was pleased to find the honeycomb blinds topped the test having put them in his own home about nine years ago.
He said the hexagonal cells in the curtain, which when extended trap the air in the cells, "acting like a down jacket; trapping still air".
"It was good for me seeing this because anecdotally I thought 'oh these are doing a great job' because when you open the curtains in the morning you can see all the cold air fall out from behind the window."
In the test, the honeycomb blinds retained more than 60 per cent of the heat lost through a bare window.
Roman blinds were the second best performing blind, followed by roller blinds. As for wooden or aluminium venetians, wooden were proven the better insulator, he said. If curtains were preferred, people were urged to go "heavy" and long.
Heavy-lined curtains were ones which had two layers which again acted as an air trap. To get the best result, they needed to go down to the ground, no matter the size of the window, to keep the cold air out.
It was best to keep the gap between the curtain or blind and the frame of the window as small as possible.
Thermal curtains - a curtain which has a thermal layer stitched to the back - did not perform as well as the heavy-lined curtains, he said. However, Dr Smith had come up with a few cheap hacks for people not bothered about what there lounge or particular room looks like for a few cold nights over winter. One was hanging a blanket over the top of your curtains.
"It is less convenient because you've got to hang a blanket and take it down each time.
"We pinned it up where the railing was, so we just pinned it up above the window and just let it hang down and cover the whole window."
The other option was to roll up towels and sit them above your window railing which again prevented cold air circulating around the room.
"It stops the air being sucked in to the top. So when the hot air rises up to the ceiling. If the curtains aren't well-fitted, that warm air falls behind the window.
"They call it the reverse chimney so it's like the air coming down past the window and all the heat being lost, so if you put something across the top it stops that from happening."
TOP TIPS FOR HEAT RETENTION
• Mount curtains as close as possible to the window frame,
• Position nets as close to the window as possible,
• Use floor length curtains and ensure they touch the floor,
• Make curtains a generous width so they overlap the window frames at the sides,
• Using net curtains help with heat retention, especially on wooden frame windows,
• Using a fan "significantly" reduces heat loss.
www.nzherald.co.nz...
ENSURE YOUR CURTAINS ARE CLEAN THIS WINTER
Your health is ALWAYS important, but now more than ever we need to stay on top of it, especially in our environment. Check your curtains regularly for live mould and visible dirt. Curtain Clean can take care of any contamination and ensure your curtains return to you clean and sanitised!
www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Tips on Accelerating Your Comfort Level with a New Mattress
Getting started on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep with a new mattress can be exciting, but it often requires a period of adjustment.
If you've recently invested in a new mattress and are wondering about the time frame for adjustment, you're not alone.
Understanding the typical adjustment period can greatly improve your sleep health and ensure you get the most comfort out of your new bed.
The Personal Touch: Individual Variation in Adjustment
When it comes to adapting to a new mattress, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
The mattress adjustment period can vary significantly depending on a number of personal factors.
Age, health, and even your usual sleep position can influence how quickly you adjust.
Generally, most people take anywhere from a few days up to a month to fully adapt to their new sleeping environment.
During this time, your body is acclimating to the support and feel of the mattress, which may differ significantly from your old one.
Understanding Mattress Types and Their Impact
The type of mattress you choose also plays a crucial role in your adjustment period.
Memory foam, for instance, may require a longer adjustment period as it contours more significantly to your body compared to a traditional spring mattress.
On the other hand, hybrid mattresses—a combination of foam and springs—offer a balance of support and cushioning, which might ease the adaptation process.
Tips for a Smoother Transition
Adapting to your new mattress is not just about waiting it out; there are active steps you can take to make the process smoother:
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce the adjustment time.
Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep—consider factors like temperature, light, and noise.
Give it time. Even if your new mattress feels different or not quite right initially, give it a few weeks, as initial discomfort is common.
Exploring more about how to enhance your sleep environment for a comfortable sleep, you can check out Beds4U Bedding.
Recognizing the Signs of Successful Adjustment
How do you know if you're well-adjusted to your new mattress?
Look for positive changes in your sleep quality and health.
You should experience less tossing and turning, fewer awakenings through the night, and reduced morning stiffness or soreness.
Increased sleep quality and waking up feeling rested are clear indicators that your body has adapted to the new mattress.
Comfort with Confidence
Adjusting to a new mattress is a unique experience that varies from person to person.
By understanding your needs and the characteristics of different mattress types, along with employing tips to aid the transition, you can enhance your sleep quality significantly.
Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.
At Beds4U, we are committed to helping you find that perfect sleep solution.
With a wide range of high-quality mattresses and a knowledgeable team eager to assist, finding your ideal comfort is just a visit away.
Explore our latest collections and sales at Beds4U and start enjoying a more comfortable sleep tonight.
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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64.5% Yes
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32.9% 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.
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