Keep the Heat: 5 Ways to Keep the Fall Draft Out
It’s that time of year when we are surprised Summer has come to an end, and Autumn is well underway in the Pacific Northwest. Leaves are changing, pumpkins are appearing, and the temperatures are chilling, especially at night. Slowly, we turn the AC off and either stay neutral for a while, or if you’re “cold blooded” maybe you already have the heat on! Regardless, our comfort zones adjusts as our environment changes. Whether your home is old or new, you may begin to notice a bit of a draft seeping in from the crisp outdoors. What can you do? No worries, we have a few great solutions on how to keep the draft out, and your comfort in tact.
1. Thick and Heavy Drapes
Drapes can do wonders against windows who either seem to let cold air seep in, or simply don’t hold up to the temperatures outside. If you have an older home in Mill Creek, Arlington or Woodinville Washington, it’s possible there is some space around the windows that need corrected. But in the meantime, stop the flow at the beginning by hanging drapes to catch the draft. Thick fabrics like velvet, or lined with additional fabric for extra warmth, trap the cold air in it’s tracks. Drapes can be easily interchangeable so you can match them with the changing seasons and styles. Not only do drapes aid in draft control, but they also add a warm and cozy feel to the room, and provide ease of functionality.
2. Floor Length Drapes in Doorways
Thought drapes were only for the windows. Think again. Go vintage by adding this old tradition to your current space. Mounting floor length drapes in key doorways (especially around the perimeter of the home), stops any escaped draft flow from going any further. Insulating wide hallways, the front foyer, or unused rooms, keeps the rest of your Everett home insulated and draft free. With unlimited amounts of prints and patterns, there’s no chance anyone in Snohomish County will have an identical luxurious style.
3. Well Designed Shutters
Some shutters block more draft than others, depending on your goals. Pay attention to the amount of space between each slat, as well as the functionality when opening and closing -- if that is an option. We suggest trying an awning style shutter which can be open in the summer, but completely closed in the colder months. Instead of having individual functional slats, this is one solid piece that opens up to create an awning on the outside window, providing more insulation once closed. If this isn’t your style, there are many ways to mix shutters with additional window treatments to vamp up the draft security while keeping the style.
4. Check Window Seals
Although this is a good idea no matter what window treatment you prefer, you may want to get into the habit of seasonally checking your window seals to see if they need updated or replaced. This will help you get ahead of any draft issue in the future. Unsure what to look for? We would be happy to take a look while helping you assess the best window treatment for your goals.
5. Let the Sun In!
The best way to protect against chilling temperatures is natural sunlight. Open up south-facing drapes or blinds during the day to naturally heat up the room. You can even have your drapes hanging in the door ways to still shut off the house from any drafts, while simultaneously heating the room for later.
Regardless of the changing temperatures, Fall is a beautiful time of year! Enjoy the crisp freshness in the air, prep your fireplaces for winter, and soak in the colors the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
If this Budget Blinds of Snohomish County article has you wondering how you can upgrade your space by changing your window treatments, we would love to help! Sign up for a Free Consultation, where you will have one on one attention to bring your goals to reality.
