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What Is Thinsulate Lining And What Does It Claim To Accomplish?

Season Smart 3M Thinsulate Curtain Lining (sometimes erroneously called “Thinsulate Curtains”) is a thermal curtain liner, pictured on the left, behind the blue curtains. Thinsulate is one of the premiere detachable thermal curtain liners. You simply attach it to the regular curtains and, voila, you have created curtains with thermal lining.

Its primary function is, as an add-on to regular curtains, to provide additional thermal insulation in winter. Company claims the heating loss will be reduced by as much as 89% with Thinsulate compared to just using ordinary curtains.

Season Smart also claims this thermal curtain liner will reduce cooling cost in the summer also, and help reduce temperature swings in the house.

We will investigate these claims below by studying buyer reports in detail. Keep reading!

Who Is Thinsulate Thermal Curtain Liner Intended For?

People all across the nation have been caught in harsh winters (Arctic Vortex, of late!), with heating oil prices sky high. Some of them only have single pane windows providing little insulation and a huge heat leak.

For these people, and, really, anyone who wants to save money, curtain thermal lining is the most inexpensive and easy way to keep warm through the winter. It should prevent your utility bill to go into stratosphere.

As an example (see more below) a person in MidWest keeps saving $20 every month for each window they use Thinsulate Thermal Liner on.

People who love their existing curtains (either for their patterns and colors, or for their sentimental value) and doesn’t want to replace them but wants to just add additional insulation will find Thinsulate curtains liner really appealing.

Season Smart 3M Thinsulate Materials

Thinsulate Curtains Thermal Liner is, as the name implies, using 3M Thinsulate material as its thermal layer. And as the name Thinsulate implies further, thanks to this 3M invention, one does not need thick insulation material to achieve significant heat insulation.

The original 3M secret to avoid thickness yet provide good thermal insulation is in the size of the fiber. The fiber is extremely small, as much as ten times smaller than previous synthetic fiber insulation materials.

Used in winter gloves, caps, parkas before, 3M Thinsulate is now available in Thinsulate curtain lining. Thick curtain lining is no longer needed. Check out the original Thinsulate page at 3M here.

Extreme Ratings

The company contends that the heat loss through the Thinsulate equipped curtain will be reduced as much as ten fold, versus heat loss through the regular curtain alone. Of course this claim on its face depends what a “regular curtain” means. Regardless, buyer reviews (below) seem to indicate significant heat transfer reductions and significant energy savings.

Versatility And Convenience Of Thinsulate Liner

It is easy to place Thinsulate Curtain liner on the existing curtain. Thinsulate lining includes 16 drapery hooks, and tie backs to easily attach the liner to just about any type of curtain or any type of curtain rod (you could even treat it as a Thinsulate Curtain and hang it on a separate rod if you have a double rod. The hook and loop closures are included to seal the liner shut, creating yet another thermal insulating pocket of air between the curtain and the curtain lining.

Season Smart 3M Thinsulate Curtain Lining is conveniently machine washable.

Color And Looks Of Thinsulate

Thinsulate Curtain Lining is white on both sides, which is the best color to reduce radiative heat losses. With its diamond quilting construction, this lining looks good if a bit bulky compared to a curtain. However, in most situations, the liner will only be visible to the outside.

Choices Of Sizes

Thinsulate Curtain Lining comes in two sizes, 78 in by 52 in and 58 in by 52 in. We recommend to get the size that covers most of the back of your curtain, and it should definitely cover the entire surface of the window for best thermal insulation.

The lining comes in a package that includes two panels. The total shipping weight is just 1.75 lbs for the smaller size which puts single panel weight under 1 lbs.

Top Features

• provides significant thermal insulation both in winter and in summer
• reportedly achieves good blackout
• provides additional street noise blocking

Accessories

• hook and loop closures included
• 16 drapery hooks included
• tie backs included
• curtain rod (if desired) sold separately

If hanging the curtain lining onto the existing curtains does not work for you for any reason, we can recommend purchasing a double curtain rod (sold separately) and hang them on the inside, 2nd, rod.

Pros

• claimed up to 90% reduction of heat loss in lab tests
• easily attached and detached
• machine wash separately regardless of curtain maintenance

Cons

• won’t block much light in and of itself
• can look a bit bulky compared to curtains

Buyer Ratings And What Thinsulate Curtain Lining Actually Does For Users

This is a relatively new product and the few buyer reviews available are generally quite positive:

Some buyers report feeling less cold in their room after installation. They also feel less draft from the window after they managed to install the curtain lining flush to the window.

Others report the curtain lining being light enough to be able to hang it on a tension rod (inside the window).

Price

At the time of the review, Season Smart 3M Thinsulate was under Rollback on Walmart.com and could be had for under $30 which was $10 – $16 lower than any other offer anywhere else on the internet. The price advantage was bigger on larger size panels.

Verdict

Based on buyer reviews we can conclude that, when you make sure that your Thinsulate Curtain Lining covers the entire window, it will keep saving you significant heating money day after day throughout the winter.

 

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We decided to write this 3M Window film review because an Outside 3M Window Film Insulation is such a low cost and  wonderful complement to inside thermal window treatments like thermal curtains and thermal curtain liners like Thinsulate and Thermalogic. 3M Outside Window Insulating Kit comes in 2 sizes, Patio Door size, and 2 Window size.

Benefits Of 3M Window Insulation Film

3M claims that their 3M Outside Window Insulating Kit will keep the heat in the house and cold drafts away. That it provides additional thermal insulation in the winter months. They claim the heat reducing window film will achieve up to 70% drop in heat loss through a single pane window.

Considering a large fraction of heat in a single family home or in apartments is lost through the windows, this can mean significant savings every month.

The secondary way this heat reducing window film will reduce heat loss, 3M claim, is through fighting the cold air influx through the cracks either in the window, but most likely at the edges of the window.

3M also claim that this Outside Window Kit reduces condensation. This can be understood because, since the heat reflecting window kit is installed outside, the temperature on the inside of the window will be higher than usual, which means less condensation on the window pane inside the room. Less condensation could extend the lifetime of your windows.

3M also talk about reduction of frost buildup. Again, we can understand that by realizing that the warmer temperature from the room is extended further out through the window pane. A warmer window pane will resist frost buildup on the outside of the window better.

Who Is 3M Outside Window Insulator Suitable For?

This video features Greg Biffle, the 3M race driver, and his wife. They show how they are using 3M residential window film in their home. The heat reflective window film enables them great view outside while at the same time not darkening the room and saving money on HVAC (heating and air conditioning) costs. The 3M film they had installed allows them to have their curtains open to bring in light. Yet they still enjoy added insulation and warmth, protect floor, furniture, paintings, carpet and curtains from fading through the UV light exposure.

Anyone who wants additional thermal insulation without sacrificing view through the window will enjoy this 3M product. This includes homeowners who have already installed heat reflecting window kit on the inside, realized fantastic savings, and want to save even more. Or perhaps you have already installed thermal insulating curtains or thermal curtain liners. You can still benefit from additional thermal insulation and save even more.

With constant threats of the arctic cold in the US pushing in from the north, anyone from the Rockies through Midwest, South, to the Eastern Seaboard states will find use for the kit to save energy in the winter.

Materials Used

3M is proud to tell that their 3M Window Insulator is the clearest heat reflective window film available on the market. They probably won’t give out the exact details of the materials.

However, they are quick to say that powerful, two-sided 3M scotch tape is included which keeps the insulating window film firmly in place all year long.

Effectiveness Ratings Of Heat Reflective Window Film Are Impressive

3M claims up to 70% reduction of heat loss through the window. They claim 99% UV light blocking.

Versatility And Convenience Of The 3M Window Insulation Film

If you are using the 3M window insulation film for smaller windows, you will have to cut the film into matching pieces. This will require a large flat surface, like a dinner table, and some patience in following directions.

On the other side of the coin, the film is easy to remove from the window when so desired.

Translucent Color And Inconspicuous Looks

Again, 3M claims that 3M window insulation film is the clearest. They say it is “clear as glass”. When you install it right (follow directions by 3M and check out directions for a competing product here) it will shrink tight and you won’t see any bubbles forming either. There will be little internal reflection, so overall, the window will look natural after installation.

Dimensions

3M Outdoor Window Film For Patio Door will cover a surface sized 84 inch (7 feet) x 112 inch (9.33 feet). It comes in the package sized 1.6 inch x 9.75 inch x 8.75 inch. It weighs only 0.5 lbs.

3M Outdoor Window Film For 2 Windows covers a surface sized 5.16 feet x 7 feet, Its package is sized 1.5 inch x 8.75 inch x 9.75  inch. It weighs only 0.35 lbs.

Features

• thermal insulation
• UV blocking
• outside frost buildup prevention
• inside condensation prevention
• clearest thermal insulated window film

Additional Accessories

If you live in an area with extremely powerful winds, you may want to consider securing the outside window film with extra weatherproof tape around the edges. Consider Scotch Outdoor Window Film Mounting Tape.

Pros

• up to 70% heat loss reduction
• nearly 100% UV light blocking
• highly translucent
• does not form bubbles
• powerful double sided scotch tape included
• easy installation
• protects windows on the outside

Cons

• exposure to elements may cause the outside film to not last as long as the similar inside film
• must be prepared to cut to size following directions

Buyer Ratings From 3M Window Film Reviews

Buyers are generally happy with the performance of the 3M window insulation film. They praise how the 3M scotch tape holds the film up despite adverse weather conditions. Something the competitor window films couldn’t handle.

Others appreciate the true transparency of the film and its ability to stick to the window throughout the winter thanks to the strong and persistent two sided scotch tape.

Yet other buyers pointed out that installing of the 3M film was easier than installing other products because no hairdryer was needed.

Getting The Best Price On 3M Window Film

Where To Buy 3M Window Film? Walmart had at the time of review free shipping on this product which made it $8 cheaper per package compared with other retailers like Sears. When you order more, the price difference really adds up fast.

Verdict

Given all the advantages of the outside heat reducing window film, this 3M product is worth its weight in gold especially in cold winters like this year’s.

 

[yasr_overall_rating]Duck Brand Heat Blocking Window Film claims to conserve energy and reduce heating costs by “shrink wrapping” the inside of the window.

Basically, the principle of operation is simple. By creating an air pocket between the window pane and the plastic wrap sheet, you create an air pocket. So it is like adding an extra window pane. Which reduces heat losses.

In addition, when you tape the shrink wrap all around the edge of the window, you will not allow any cold drafts to come in, so it acts like a temporary caulking. Again, this reduces heat losses. It lets you better ride the Polar Vortex blasts. Duck Brand is the window film to keep the heat in.

So this heat blocking window film should work well in theory. But what do buyers say?

Who Uses Duck Window Insulation?

Anyone who has experienced high heating cost or unpleasantly low room temperature in the winters will find use in Duck Brand Shrink Window Insulation. Anyone who lives in an old home with leaky windows who can feel cold draft coming in. So even folks in California coastal areas can take advantage, let alone people living in wintry Minnesota.

As you will see below, people have reported saving hundreds of dollars each year with a single pack of Duck Window Film. So check out our review further.

Materials Of The Window Film To Keep The Heat In

Buyers report that Duck Brand Window Film is stronger than competing brands, which may contribute somewhat to better heat insulation.

The Duck Brand Window Tape to hold the window film is included in the package.

Convenience Of Installation, Tips To Do It Right The First Time

We include here the simplest directions and tips we found in our research. This is an addition to the instructions that come with the product. Read the manufacturers directions first before checking back here.

1. When you cut the wrap to size (see below), preferably use a large table for convenience.
2. You need to make sure the surfaces you stick the tape to on the windows and doors are clean. Wipe the surfaces with the included wipes. While you are at it, clean the window surface too as it won’t be accessible until springtime.
3. Apply the tape to the frame not to the window pane itself. Frame shrinks and expands less in size than the window as the temperature fluctuates.
4. Be careful when you wrap the larger windows. It will be better if you have a helper so you can keep the wrap stretched across the window as you are bringing it up closer to the tape.
5. Cut the wrap to larger size by 2-3 inches on each side first and trim the edges after you have already applied the heat and the wrap is in place. That way you will leave room for error. But be careful when trimming to size so you don’t poke a hole into the wrap.
6. After you attach the shrink wrap to the tape, put hairdryer oh high heat and go over the tape first. Then heat up the middle area to get the remaining kinks out.
7. Do not overheat the wrap as it may pull on the tape and detach it.

The wrap is quite easy to remove at the end of winter. According to users, it does not make sense to reuse it next year, you should just buy a new package.

Does It Change The Color And The Looks Of The Window?

The shrink wrap looks like glass when you shrink and tighten it properly. It is highly transparent, and you will be able to see outside just fine.

Generous Dimensions Of The Wrap

The total surface included in the package is 62 inch x 420 inch. Most people find this plenty. It will be sufficient for ten 3 foot by 5 foot windows.

Features

• clear window film
• window kit tape

Pros

• favorite product to weatherize older houses in winter
• reduces cold draft through cracks especially in older single pane windows
• much cheaper than new windows
• film is really clear, can see through windows still
• works great for unusual shape windows
• works great for old style wooden frame windows
• reported savings are as much as $100 – $220 over the course of the year
• reportedly lasts over 2 winters if you don’t take it off

Cons

• must have a hair dryer or a heat gun ready
• must be prepared to cut to size following directions, please be handy with scissors
• if you are doing it for the first time, it could take a few hours to apply it to all of the home windows
• even after years of practice, it still takes a lot of work
• the tape on the bottom may come off because of the condensation moisture on the window (you can reduce the condensation by applying the outside film on top of this inside film, as described here)

Additional Buyer Ratings And Comments

At Walmart.com, buyers left 47 reviews and their average star rating is 4.4 out of 5. 90% of buyers would recommend the purchase to a friend.

Buyers compared it with competing brands and found higher quality, thicker wrap in Duck Brand.

A buyer jokingly noticed that it would take 300 years before he would pay as much for the Duck Brand heat blocking window film as he would pay for the new windows that got quoted to him at $15,000.

Price

The price is essentially the same across all online vendors. But the price of under $12 is really cheap regardless.

Verdict

When you read hundreds of buyer reviews you will realize that many return and purchase this product year after year. This is a more reliable testimony to the value of this inexpensive product that anyone can give in words.

 

Thermalogic Ultimate Curtain Liner is the most popular curtain liner out there.

Curtain Liners are some of the best and most versatile among ways to keep the heat in your house.

If you have ever stayed in a high end hotel, or even at Motel 6, you may have noticed how easy it was to sleep till 11 am!

It was thanks to excellent thermal insulation and noise blocking provided by a Thermalogic Ultimate Thermal Blackout Liner.

What Does Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner Claim To Do?

But what about your home? Detachable curtain linings by Thermalogic promise additional thermal insulation in winter, and ease of installation. We have set out to look into all available buyer reviews online to see whether these claims are valid. We found the answers and a whole lot more! Keep reading about our findings below.

Who Uses Thermalogic Curtain Liner?

Thermal Insulation In The Winter: We found that anyone living in places where it gets cold in the winter, especially Midwest could use some extra window insulation. A person from Midwest actually reported $50 savings every single month compared to the previous year. Especially these days, with Polar Vortex winter chills coming down on a regular basis, more people would need to find out about this best kept secret.

Heat Blocking In The Summer: We found that people living in Southwest, especially Arizona and Nevada, also found much use for this liner in the hot and sunny summer months. These people were even more impressed with the blackout that the Thermalogic liner provided. Even in coastal California people found use for the extra insulation.

Improve Blackout And Keep Curtains You Love: In a lot of cases, people fell in love with their curtains they bought, and didn’t want to take them back to the store. Often, these curtains would be labelled “Blackout” but were nothing like it. So instead of returning the curtains they liked back to the store they added Thermalogic detachable curtain lining. They kept the curtains they loved and made them blackout with the liner. As an added bonus, thermal insulation improved too.

Noise Blocking: Many buyers were surprised how good the Thermalogic Liner was in blocking the road noise coming through the window.

What Is Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner Made Of

The white face of the liner (facing the window) is made of 80% polyester, 20% cotton and the back (facing the room) is 100% acrylic suede. According to buyers, it does not have the plastic feel that some other liners have.

We like the acrylic suede for two reasons. First, its extra fibers give the liner a less plastic feel, and second, the extra fiber will further reduce the unwanted noises, as we have seen in this suede energy efficient curtain review.

Note: You may find customer reviews reporting receiving a panel that emits foul odor. Which is a shame because these reports have dissuaded many prospective buyers from purchasing. The odor was probably a fire retardant and formaldehyde which may have been added to comply with an US law.

On a small chance that you sense that foul odor, soak the curtains in vinegar, baking soda, or a great smelling Fels Naphtha Soap and the foul odor should go away. That is a tip from a Thermalogic Liner user.

[Update since 2014] There were no foul odor reports since the end of 2013 and none in 2014. The company may have read the damaging reviews and changed the manufacturing process. At most you will smell some glue like smell or some normal new plastic smell which will go away in a week or two.

Thermalogic Liner Is Flexible And Install Is Convenient

Several types of hooks and attachments come included in the Thermalogic Liner package. Indeed, you can conveniently attach this detachable liner to all styles of curtains. You will find the details explained in the included instruction sheet that is included.

You will find included 4 rings, 4 hooks, ties and pins to attach them to grommet curtains, back tab curtains, pinch pleat, or rod pocket curtains.

So no matter how your existing curtains are hung, you can always attach Thermalogic liner to the back of the curtain. You will pin the included hooks into the curtain just like a safety pin.

If you have grommet style curtains, you can use included rings to hang the Thermalogic liner directly on the decorative rod. You can hide the Thermalogic rings behind the curtain. Iff you are installing the curtain rod, make sure you affix the rod at least a couple inches above the window. That way you will allow for the liner to hang from below the top of the curtain yet still cover the entire window.

Buyers took anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes total to install Thermalogic Liner. Compared to installing thermal window films, installing Thermalogic is easy.

One woman was even as brave as to cut the liner down to size which she found super easy to do.

If you are considering installing the thermal liner on a double rod, this will slightly reduce the thermal blocking but it will give you the flexibility to close the liner independently from the curtain. For instance, you could be using Thermalogic in winter and summer months only to block the heat and sun rays.

Color And Looks

Although the image above shows the light blue/gray color side of the liner, the Thermalogic Ultimate Blackout Thermal Liner is actually white on one side and light blue/gray on the inner side only. The white side must be facing the window for better thermal insulation.

Some HOA actually require the outside facing curtains should be white, so you will be able to even use Thermalogic liner to comply with your HOA.

As for the looks, buyers report that the liners aren’t obtrusive or obvious as they hang behind their other curtains.

Dimensions

Width And Length: The package contains a single panel. The width of the panel is 45 inches. There are four convenient lengths available, 101 inch, 88 inch, 77 inch and 56 inch.

We recommend to choose the width of the liner to fit the full length of the curtain rod. You will get better thermal insulation if you straighten out the liner. Be sure the liner covers the whole window and at least a few inches out on all sides of the window. Do not go by the curtain width. Thermalogic liner is quite stiff and does not flow as a wave unlike the curtains.

If you are buying curtains at the same time, and there are no obstructions close to the window, we recommend to extend curtains and the liner all the way to the floor and all the way up to the ceiling. Doing so will assure better thermal insulation. Convective heat loss will be reduced. Convective heat loss is due to cold air falling down from the cold window and circulating into the room.

Weight: Single Thermalogic panel weighs between 1.25 lbs and 1.8 lbs depending on the length, see above. This is quite heavy but nothing out of the ordinary. Some buyers found them “thick and heavy.” If you are buying curtain rods at the same time, consider double rods or large diameter (over 1 inch), sturdier rods.

Rod pocket: If you are hanging Thermalogic on a sepaate rod, Thermalogic liner will fit onto any rod less than 1 inch in diameter.

Best Features Of Thermalogic Panels

• create significant improvement in room temperature
• reduce heating bills
• eliminate window draft
• block out street lights
• block heat and bright sun light
• damp out the street noise

Accessories

Included accessories: curtain rings, tabs, tie-ins, metal pins. They provide a great variety of options to attach them to existing curtains.

You could add flexibility by purchasing a double rod and hang the liner separately. Then pull the liner out for instance when watching TV on sunny days for blackout, or to lower the temperature in the summer, or to increase the temperature when it is extra cold in winter.

Pros Reported By Buyers

• $50/month savings on the heating bill
• insulated a drafty window well
• blocked some noise as well
• achieved complete blackout with the liner only

Cons Reported By Buyers

• odor reported on some panels [this seems to be completely gone since 2014]
• only one panel included in a package
• available in only one width

Buyer Ratings And What Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner Actually Does For Users

One buyer from Midwest who went and compared the utility bills reported an amazing $50 reduction in monthly bill.

Another buyer found the Thermalogic blocked the heat so well in the summer that he just left the curtains closed all days and turned on lights.

Yet another buyer loved the newly found comfort in her home. She realized how the Thermalogic Lininig prevented the furniture and the curtains from being bleached. She also reduced her air conditioning bills.

A family that installed Thermalogic liners on all bedroom windows reports that everyone sleeps better.

Several buyers report reduced noise from the outside, and deadened sounds of the highway.

One buyer even realized that he saw the same blackout liners at Hyatt House and other high end hotels.

Price

Note: The pack only contains one Thermalogic liner panel, 45″ wide. We found selection of lengths be better at Walmart.com than anywhere else, and prices lower at Walmart.com by as much as $7 per panel compared with other shops such as Wayfair.com. The price difference does add up when you are buying 2 or more liners.

Verdict

Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner is the best kept secret of thermal insulation. It is amazing how few people know about this miracle passive heating tool in Midwest, East, And South. Their winters could be so much warmer. They would spend much less money on heating. Some people have lived in Southwest deserts for years without anyone letting them know about Thermalogic Liner. If they knew about it, their summers could have been much more pleasant and cool.

[yasr_overall_rating]Eclipse Nottingham Thermal Insulated Curtains can be considered cheap insulated curtains. They are among the more popular thermal insulated curtains Walmart and Amazon have to offer. One of their advantages is that they come in several lighter colors which is important for better thermal insulation. We have written in what way lighter colored curtains will increase heat control here and here (this holds true for both front side and back side light color).

If you are short on cash and you prefer a more modern look of insulated grommet curtains, then Eclipse Nottingham Thermal Curtains might be a good choice for you. Walmart often deeply discounts them. If you don’t mind rich, silky look and a more classical look of the back tab hang, we prefer Better Homes and Gardens’ Thermal Faux-Silk Curtain Panel for its better thermal insulation and more durable design. To look into even more expensive and Luxe looking drapes check out our review of Off White Signature Velvet Curtains.

Thermaback Material And Design Of Eclipse Nottingham Thermal Curtains

Eclipse Nottingham are made of 100% polyester employing the very commercially successful Eclipse Thermaback technology. The Thermaback liner is attached to the entire back of the curtain providing its thermal insulation, noise blocking, and blackout.

Installation Is Convenient, Maintenance Easy

Eclipse simply recommends unwrapping the curtain panel and placing it, together with a damp cloth, into a tumble dryer for 20 minutes to remove creases caused by packaging. Then hang immediately. Quite a straightforward procedure. (Note however that some customers had to use steam iron before wrinkles were all out).

Eclipse suggests machine washing these curtains.

Eclipse Nottingham Thermal Curtains Looks And Colors

We like the modern looks of the top grommets on Eclipse Nottingham. The grommets are quite large and will accommodate a decorative rod up to 2.5 inches in diameter. We also like the light shimmer on the front side of the panel.

Eclipse Nottingham comes in these light colors:

• Silver Sage
• Mushroom
• Smoke
• River Blue

and in these darker colors:

• Black
• Chocolate
• Spice
• Plum

A great majority of buyers don’t know this, but if you are buying Eclipse Nottingham for its thermal insulation properties, you will save more money every winter when you buy one of the light colored curtains above. This is because lighter colors absorb less infrared light, and so act as thermal insulator rather than thermal conductor. We wrote more about this in this post and in this children’s thermal curtains review.

Darker colors will have better blackout, though. We wrote about this in this post about white blackout curtains.

Choosing Curtain Dimensions For Better Thermal Insulation

Eclipse Nottingham comes in lengths of 63 inch, 84 inch, and 95 inch. The 84 and 95 inch lengths will both allow the curtain to reach the floor which is what we recommend to prevent convective heat leaks (that is, to prevent the heavy cold air from the cold window falling down and entering the room at the bottom of the curtain).

The standard width of all Eclipse Nottingham panels is 40 inches. You will normally be fine for regular size windows with purchasing 2 panels. If you wish, you can think about purchasing a double rod, and buy 4 panels for more thermal insulation, bigger heating bill savings, and more noise reduction and blackout. Even better, use a double rod and place thermal lining on the inner rod. Check out these two excellent thermal linings: Thermalogic Ultimate Window Lining and Thinsulate Thermal Curtain Lining.

How many panels to buy if you want a decent fullness? Homeowners were happy with the pleat and fullness when they bought 4 panels for a 70″ wide window. A rough estimate for the total combined panel width is twice the width of the window.

Eclipse Nottingham weigh just under 1 lbs per panel, which is heavier than most curtains but nothing out of the ordinary.

Best Features Of These Cheap Insulated Curtains

• Thermaback technology
• 100% polyester materials
• grommet top
• blocks heat transfer
• reduces unwanted outside noise
• significant blackout
• three sizes 40″W x 63″/84″/95″L

Accessories That Enhance Heat Control

A 2.5 inch decorative rod is recommended by the manufacturer. However, anything smaller down to 1 inch will be fine. Note that the smaller the rod diameter, the more you can extend the curtain top, which will help save energy.

To further enhance heat control and save even more energy, you can try a so called “wraparound rod” which lets curtains touch the wall on the sides. Or you can pair these curtains with sheers, or, even better, with a thermal insulating curtain liner such as Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner or Thinsulate Thermal Curtain Liner and use a double rod for that purpose.

Pros

• easy open and close
• easy installation and maintenance (machine wash)
• great for room darkening while watching daytime TV
• look of expensive curtains, price low

Cons

• wrinkly out of the bag
• big difference in heat control between the dark and the light colors

Buyer Ratings And What Eclipse Nottingham Actually Does For Users

At the time of this review, there were 92 reviews for these curtains with an average star rating of 4.3 out of 5. 89% of responders would recommend these curtains to a friend.

“They look great! They keep the heat and the light out.”

“…economical way to cover the many windows we have…”

“I ordered an other set of 4 for a the sliding glass door.”

“…they don’t look like inexpensive drapes.”

“…curtains keep the house cooler and the electric bill lower!”

“When I received these I was amazed at how expensive they look.”

“Dog proof!”

Read full buyer reviews at Walmart.com.

Verdict

These cheap insulated curtains not only look expensive but are among the best thermal curtains in the price range that Walmart offers. As for the price, among the large online and offline retailers, Walmart has the best offer.

Price And Checkout Questions

When we reviewed the Eclipse Nottingham thermal curtains, they came out to be nearly 20% (twenty percent!) cheaper at Walmart.com than on Amazon.com.

When purchasing please keep in mind that Walmart packages contain 1 panel each.

 

[yasr_overall_rating]If you’re looking to get the best kids thermal insulating curtains, we will provide here buying advice based on basic physics. You will save money on your heating and AC costs, too. So keep reading.

 

Thermal insulating curtains are some of the best options to keep your house windows well insulated and saving you money in the winter and in the summer.

So what makes Eclipse Dayton Thermaback awesome kids thermal curtains?

Requirements For Awesome Kids Thermal Curtains

Childrens thermal curtains have extra requirements put on them. Besides looking good in the kids room, matching the wall color, matching the furniture, they also must make sure that childrens room is well insulated thermally. Kids thermal curtains must make your child comfortable to play, learn, and sleep well. Plus, as a bonus, they should save parents some money every winter on heating costs, and in the summer, on air conditioning costs.

But that is not all. If you have girls, you will want purple or pink thermal curtains (or whatever color your girl is demanding) and if you have boys, they will be better off with shades of blue or even red. In any case, you need to match the curtains to kids’ personality.

There are even more considerations such as blocking out sunlight in the summer and reducing external or street noise and that is why buying curtains is never easy. That is why we will talk here about multiple aspects of what makes kids thermal curtains awesome, and what to pay attention to. Then we will see where our choice of childrens termal curtains, Eclipse Dayton Thermaback Energy Efficient Curtains, meets these requirements, or where it doesn’t meet them.

So think about what are most important qualities of thermal curtains for the kids and let’s review how Eclipse Kids Dayton Thermaback Curtains will fit.

Eclipse Kids Dayton Thermaback Energy Efficient Curtains Review

As the name implies, the Thermaback liner in Eclipse Dayton will reduce the heat outflow from the room, and measurements show that a single layer of curtains will reduce the heat outflow through the window by as much as 40%.

This is huge! Why? Because, windows are the biggest heat leak in most houses and apartments in the US.

Now let’s look at the colors to make sure the curtains match kids room walls and furniture and then let’s look at the fit and the functionality.

Practical Materials And Vivid Colors That Hold In More Heat

The Eclipse Kids Dayton are made of 100% woven polyester fabric. That holds both for the fabric facing the front as well as the white Thermaback liner facing the window.

What makes Eclipse Dayton curtains different are the vivid colors they come in. You won’t find plum purple thermal curtains anywhere else!

The lighter colors include:

• Turquoise (light blue),
• Raspberry (pink),
• Lime (yellow green), and
• Plum (light purple),

and the darker colors include:

• Chili (dark red),
• Blue, and
• Black.

Why do we make the disctinction? Given that the materials that the curtains are made of are identical, their heat conductivity, or heat blocking will be the same. However, the heat radiation/absorption (or infrared radiation/absorption) will be more in dark curtains than in lighter colored curtains. Radiation and absorption means heat and energy loss (or transfer in general). Therefore, overall, lighter curtains will save you more energy and will lower your electric bill more in the winter.

All Eclipse Dayton curtains come with the white colored Thermaback lining on the back, which is the best. We’re talking about your choice of colors of the curtains on the side that is facing the room.

Bottom line, for maximum heat blocking, and maximum energy savings, choose one of the lighter colors. They look more vivid, anyways!

Eclipse Dayton Convenient Install And Easy Cleaning

As all Eclipse Thermaback curtains, the Dayton Kids Curtains will be quite easy to handle. After you open the package and take the curtains out, you will need to make sure to tumble dry the panels with a damp piece of clothing or a damp cloth for 20 minutes on low heat. Then hang them immediately and the creases should go away shortly.

Another convenient feature of Eclipse Dayton is that you don’t have to worry about dry cleaning them. Just follow the manufacturer’s advice and machine wash them when needed.

Curtain Dimensions To Minimize The Heat Loss

Eclipse Dayton come in two sizes, 42 inch by 63 inch and 42 inch by 84 inch. Consider getting the longer, 84 inch curtains and hanging them precisely so their bottom hem touches the floor. That way, you will minimize cold draft down from the window bottom that will end up cooling the room in the winter. Similarly, see if you can extend curtains all the way to the ceiling, for essentially the same reason. This public service announcement on the ElementsOfStyleBlog agrees with us (and they are quite graphic about it). The 84 inch curtains are sometimes the same price as the 63 inch, so getting taller curtains is a no-brainer, price wise.

The curtains are hung using top grommets. While the pleated, wavy look is perhaps better looking, it offers more surface through which the heat can escape. So, in winter, consider stretching the curtains to be nearly flat, and simply keep the excess curtain width to the sides of the window. That way, you will minimize the cold draft coming from the sides of the window and minimize the heat transfer through the curtain at the same time.

To accomplish maximum heat blocking, purchasing 2 panels for the standard size window will normally be sufficient. If you follow the standard recommendation to purchase the total width of the curtain panels to be double the window width, that could be a bit too much. For best thermal insulation, you should be hitting the sweet spot by purchasing the total width of the panels to be somewhere between 1.5 times to 2 times the window width.

If you are feeling extra frugal and enterprising, we suggest to double the heat blocking by purchasing a double rod, and doubling up on the number of curtain panels, and then hanging the panels one in front of the other. Or, even better, place a thermal liner on the inner rod. You can see reviews of these two excellent thermal linings,  Thermalogic Ultimate Window Liner and Thinsulate Thermal Curtain Liner. You will double your dollars saved every winter month and double your AC savings in the summer.

Bonus Features Of Eclipse Dayton Kids Curtains

In addition to great thermal savings, Eclipse Dayton are also blackout curtains, again thanks to their relatively thick Thermaback lining. The rub is that lighter color curtains (see above) will not block out light as much as the darker colored ones. But the darker Eclipse Kids Dayton curtains will be good at blackout. You just can’t have the cake and eat it too. Know your priorities.

The Eclipse Kids Dayton curtains will also be blocking a noticeable amount of noise coming from the outside. If you have any street noise, or loud neighbors, you will notice the difference in peace and quiet in the room.

Choice Of Accessories To Help Increase Thermal Blockage

Any decorative rod that is less than 1.5 inches in diameter will fit the curtain grommets. If you want to combine these curtains with sheers or if you want to double up on the number of panels as discussed above when you use an extra thermal liner, you can purchase a double rod.

Pros Of Eclipse Kids Dayton

• plenty of vivid colors to choose from
• Thermaback back lining provides thermal blocking, noise reduction, and blackout
• modern looking brushed nickel grommet top
• easy care

Cons

• darker colors will keep less heat in the winter

Buyer Ratings And Excerpts From Best Buyer Reviews

On Walmart.com, Kids Dayton Curtains currently have an excellent star rating of 4.3 out of 5. They have a total of 155 reviews, most of which gave a star rating of 5. 90% of buyers would recommend these curtains to a friend.

Here are some quotes from buyers:

“It’s cold between the window and curtain, but I don’t feel it from the inside of the room.”
“They have kept the room cool when it was hot.”

Price And Shipping

The Eclipse Dayton Kids curtains come in packages containing a single curtain panel. All of the color choices are currently only available on Walmart.com although some other online retailers have limited colors at ridiculously higher prices. Walmart online shoppers are reporting fast delivery times as quick as few days from the order. Often, delivery will be ahead of schedule.

Verdict of Eclipse Dayton

Eclipse Kids Dayton curtains are simple, colorful, and high value yet low price choice for kids rooms and nurseries. Choose among many vivid light colors like the Lime pictured to the right. You will maximize thermal insulation and the savings on your utility bill in winter months.

 

\[yasr_overall_rating]Better Homes and Gardens (BH&G) claims that their Thermal Faux-Silk Curtains  provide thermal insulation for your windows in the winter, ease of installation (simply slide on a rod), and provide blackout.

With this modest description of these thermal insulated curtains, we were surprised to find over 90 mostly five star reviews on Walmart.com. So we took it on ourselves to investigate what makes these heat blocking curtains so popular and well received. Is it the shiny faux silk thermal fabric for curtains or is it something else?

 

Why We Pick This Diamond In The Rough As Our Top Heat Blocking Curtains?

Lacking much information about these curtains in product descriptions, we undertook extensive research especially using buyer’s feedback at Walmart. Walmart appears to have sold the most of these curtains in part because of extra low prices, see below).

We compared BH&G Faux-Silk Thermal Curtains with Best Thermal Curtains At Target, Walmart, IKEA, Lowes And Amazon, and found numerous significant advantages.

We found that these curtains were the only off white or light colored insulated curtains (other than the very luxurious off-white double width Signature velvet curtains) with good blackout, as reported in several buyer reviews!

What BH&G Thermal Faux Silk Curtains Are Made Of, Their Look And Feel

These insulated tab curtains are made of 100% polyester. But don’t fret, their look is nowhere like the plastic shower curtains, they have a nice, rich and shiny, woven look to them. They also have a quite heavy feel to them, they hang like a thinner kind of velvet curtains.

The back lining is also made of 100% polyester and appears solid and durable.

When using their back tab design option for hanging, they will have a more classical look to them.

Convenience Of Installation And Maintenance

The rod pocket will only accept up to a 5/8 inch rod. As long as you remember that, you should have no troubles installing.

The Thermal Faux-Silk Curtains are really quite easy to install. Buyers report being able to hang them on a rod in five minutes. Just slide them on a decorative rod and you are all done. It is equally easy to take them off for cleaning.

Yes, they are washable (hand wash only)! No need to spend $40 per panel for dry cleaning!

Chances are you will see creases caused by packing and shipping in a tight bag when you receive these curtains in the mail. Be prepared to use a steamer iron and smooth them out. People have had success by tumbling them in a dryer on low heat for up to 15 minutes together with a damp cloth. And others just used the regular warm (not hot) iron to remove any wrinkles.

Color And Looks

As we explained elsewhere, we recommended light colored curtains (such as white insulated curtains) because light colors will block heat better providing better thermal insulation. Light gray thermal curtains, off white, beige, ivory, and similar lighter color curtains like will lower your heating bill more.

Matching the curtain color to the wall color and bedding color is important. For instance, light ivory curtains will go well with the walls that are painted in darker, warmer colors (like red, orange, or brown).

Darker colors will work better for blackout. However, due to the thermal lining being so heavy in these curtains, even lighter colors are providing more than sufficient blackout for many who purchased them.

You can get thermal faux silk curtains in these darker colors: Chocolate Nib (Dark Brown), Rich Plum (Red)
Lighter colors available are: Fresh Ivory (Off White, Creamy, and Shiny), Brown Clay (Light Brown), Green Juniper (Shiny Light Green)

Color on the window side of the curtain is always white which improves thermal insulation.

Better Homes and Gardens Thermal Faux-Silk Curtains offer at truly unique beautiful and elegant silky-shine look.

Dimensions And Hanging Recommendations

These thermal curtains come in a single size 54″ (W) x 84″ (H) which should be sufficient to hang them to the floor. We recommend hanging them all the way to the floor to reduce cold from entering the room at the bottom of the curtain.

The width these curtains come in is 54 inches. This is quite generous for a regular size window. We recommend to hang them flat across the window, and keep the full look to the sides. This will reduce the heat escaping the room.

Keeping curtains stretched flat across the window is the exact opposite to what we recommended for maximum noise reduction. If noise reduction is your goal, you should keep the curtains hung with a full/pleated look across the window. For maximum heat control, keep all fullness of the curtain to the sides, and keep the curtains closed flat all across the window.

If you are after both more noise reduction and more thermal insulation, consider using a double rod and hang two sets of curtains one behind the other.

The shipping weight of a single panel is 1.52 lbs which puts the curtain weight somewhere between 1 lbs and 1.5 lbs

Most Important Features

• rich heavy and shiny silk front fabric
• excellent blackout, even in lighter colors (ivory!)
• reported significant unwanted street noise blocking
• white thick back lining providing best thermal insulation

Thermal Faux Silk Curtains Accessories

You will need a decorative rod of a diameter less or equal to 5/8 of an inch for rod pocket hang, An 1-2 inch diameter rod can be used for the back tab hang.

Pros

• expensive, formal look
• excellent blackout, even in light colors
• available in three light colors for better thermal insulation
• white thermal back lining for better heat control
• noticeably reduce outside noise
• hand washing option saves money on expensive dry cleaning
• five colors to choose from
• two hanging options
• durable design

Cons

• terse product description at Walmart.com
• may need ironing on both sides upon arrival
• colors of actual curtains may be slightly darker than images on the Walmart website

Buyer Ratings And Enthused Excerpts From Buyer Reviews

Buyer Rating: At the time of reviewing, the BH&G Faux-Silk Thermal Curtains had 92 reviews and the rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Walmart.com, which is excellent.

Excellent blackout: Buyer claims they tested them against more popular Eclipse Blackout curtains, and they found the Better Home and Gardens Faux-Silk Thermal Curtains to provide a better blackout.

Excerpts From Enthusiastic Buyer Reviews: Here are some of the representative quotes from Walmart.com buyer reviews. Most buyers appear honestly impressed with these thermal curtains:

“Keep temperature in the room regulated.”
“Noticeably reduced traffic noise.”
“These Thermal Faux Silk curtains look really expensive.”
“More attractive fabric than the Eclipse curtains.”
“Beautiful curtains add drama and a degree of sophistication to your home.”
“Heavier and more durable than the Eclipse.”
“They look so solid, almost stately.”
“Do not return them mom!”
“I bought the ivory for my Hollywood look in the bedroom. They look very luxe.”

Reasonable Price

At the time of writing, the price of BH&G Faux-Silk Curtain Panel was only a few dollars more than several competing Eclipse and other brands. Considering all the favorable direct comparisons of blackout and thermal insulation, made by buyers, we find Better Homes and Gardens Faux-Silk Curtain Panels a great value for the money.

When comparing to other online retailers such as Amazon, we found Walmart.com less expensive by 20% – 30% which is quite extreme! The savings add up especially since you will be buying several panels at the time.

Zero Risk Ordering And Fast Delivery

Keep in mind you will be ordering single panels of these heat blocking curtains. For normal size windows you will need to order two. For sliding patio doors we recommend total combined width of the panels you order to be just slightly more than the width of the patio doors. A more “fuller look” of the curtains will not increase thermal insulation at all.

Many buyers were impressed with the quick delivery of the curtains from Walmart. 3 days is typical. If you need to return the curtains, it is easy to ship them back for a refund. It is even easier to return them to the local Walmart if you need to.