AARP enjoys entertainers
The Antuan Hawkins group entertained at the AARP local chapter meeting in December.
Group members are Chris Raines, Sharon Mevin, Clay Raines and Hawkins. They sang oldies Christmas songs, including ‘Blue Christmas,’ an Elvis favorite sung by Chris Raines.
For information about the local AARP chapter , call Mary Tyndall, chapter coordinator, at 252-527-1505.
Home Solutions: Window coverings for energy savings
Window treatments can be chosen not only for decoration but also for saving energy. Carefully selecting these treatments can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Window treatments alone aren’t effective at reducing air leakage or infiltration. Weather-stripping around windows will also help to reduce air leakage.
Window blinds — vertical or horizontal slat-type — are more effective at reducing summer heat gain than winter heat loss. Because of the numerous openings between the slats, it’s difficult to control heat loss; but the slats offer flexibility in the summer, tiltable to control light and ventilation while still affording privacy.
Draperies — depending on fabric type, weave and color — can help reduce heat loss and gain. The wide variety of fabrics makes it difficult to generalize about energy performance. In the summer, drapes should be closed on windows receiving direct sunlight. According to the University of Florida, medium-colored draperies with white backings can reduce heat gains by up to 33 percent. Draperies also stay cooler in the summer than some other window treatments because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection.
When drawn during cold weather, most draperies can reduce heat loss up to 10 percent. Close draperies at night, as well as those that don’t receive sunlight. Hang draperies as close to windows as possible to reduce heat exchange or convection. Let them fall onto a windowsill or floor. For maximum effectiveness, install a cornice at the top or install the drapery snug against the ceiling.
Two draperies hung together — a sheer fabric hung under a heavier one — will create a tighter air space. One advantage is that the room-side drapery will maintain the temperature of the interior space, adding to a room’s comfort.
Lining and interlining draperies will also add layers of insulation.
Next week: Window shades and interior shutters will be discussed next week.
Source: energysavers.gov
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.