topic Re: Serious Question in Community Chat

Serious Question

Lynnj — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 02:52:28 GMT

Which way should blinds be slanted? Should they slant down towards the room, or up towards the ground outside? I am not concerned about privacy or light, but which way would be the best to hold heat in the house during the winter? Been looking online and am now seriously confused! I keep my blinds in my living room slanted open 24 hours per day, the bedroom closed up (to help block light). Currently blinds in living room are slanted in towards the room. I think it looks nicer, but if other way would help keep house warmer I would be willing to change for the winter months.

Re: Serious Question

minkbunny — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 03:05:10 GMT

I think slanting downwards seems to create a tighter closure, as least when keeping out light - so I would assume the same when keeping out the cold.

ETA, We have antiqued white wooden plantation blinds throughout the house and I prefer that look when I have them closed. However, most are pulled at least half way up the window as we live in the country and like seeing all the wildlife walk by. Never gets old.

Re: Serious Question

Lynnj — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 03:11:45 GMT

Thanks, minky. I also prefer them slanted down partially so I can see outside. This is how I keep the blinds in the living room all of the time. I am not worried about people walking by or looking in. My house is set away from the road, so one would have to come way up onto the property to look in.

Re: Serious Question

ROMARY — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:43:20 GMT

We can see (peek) easier when slanted down toward the outside!

Re: Serious Question

Lucky Charm — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 04:48:17 GMT

The sun alone can warm our cottage most winter days, so letting in the sunlight is key.

I don't know how much cold you can keep out with blinds.

You may need to look at other options for energy saving.

Re: Serious Question

Lynnj — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:03:02 GMT

On 11/1/2014 ROMARY said:
We can see (peek) easier when slanted down toward the outside!

Yes, that's what I learned when I was looking for my answer about which way for more warmth. Never knew this, but apparently, for say apartment living, if you live on first level you should point them up so people walking by can't see in. If you are on the second level, point them down, so people walking by looking up cannot see in. Wish I had known that back when I lived in apartments/condos, lol.

Re: Serious Question

Lynnj — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:07:56 GMT

Thanks lucky charm. I think I will continue to slant them down/in. That is the slant that let's in more light. Plus it looks much better, and easier to see out. Just wondering if one way or the other draws more air out of the house versus keeping it in? I may start to close them shut at dark, then open in morning this year and see if I see a difference in heating costs?

Re: Serious Question

Suzy Snowflake — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 05:41:38 GMT

Your serious question gave me a giggle. Thanks!.... No disrespect intended.

Re: Serious Question

sylviahomeatlast — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 06:01:27 GMT

I agree with the ""downs""

Re: Serious Question

hckynut — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 06:30:20 GMT

On 11/1/2014 Lynnj said: Which way should blinds be slanted? Should they slant down towards the room, or up towards the ground outside? I am not concerned about privacy or light, but which way would be the best to hold heat in the house during the winter? Been looking online and am now seriously confused! I keep my blinds in my living room slanted open 24 hours per day, the bedroom closed up (to help block light). Currently blinds in living room are slanted in towards the room. I think it looks nicer, but if other way would help keep house warmer I would be willing to change for the winter months.

The ones that let in sun in our home are directed by the time of the day and the position of the sun. Unlike you, we do use them to warm our house. Winter here in Nebraska gets mighty cold and we have not had a full house furnace turned on for 3 years now, this upcoming will be the 4th. Same with the Central AC, it has not been on in that same 3 years.

With AC/Heat in our 4 season patio room in which I spend probably 80% of my hours, including sleeping? We can set it to any temperature we prefer for the season and it only has to heat around 300sq.ft, as opposed to our close to 4,000sq.ft home. Patio room on south side of our home and we have tons of trees. They provide a lot of shade in the warmer months and the room gets all kinds of sun in the winter when the trees are bare. Only because this room is all glass on the sides that are in the sun or under the trees.

No blinds in this room as that would defeat the purpose of any all glass room, in my opinion.

Re: Serious Question

Lynnj — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:30:42 GMT

On 11/1/2014 Peaches4you said: Your serious question gave me a giggle. Thanks!.... No disrespect intended.

No disrespect taken. It was meant to be funny...but I am serious about looking for the answer, LOL.