They did help with glare and kept the room cooler in summer, but the savings weren’t huge—maybe a few bucks a month.
That lines up with what I've seen. People expect blackout curtains to be some magic bullet for energy bills, but unless your windows are ancient or you’re dealing with direct sun all day, the impact is usually pretty minor. I always tell folks—if you want real savings, look at insulation or window upgrades first. Curtains are more about comfort and blocking light than slashing costs. Still, if they help you sleep better, that’s worth something too.
I’ve had a similar experience—blackout curtains definitely made the room more comfortable, but the energy savings were pretty negligible. You summed it up perfectly:
I used to think they’d make a bigger dent in my summer AC bill, but after tracking a few months, the difference was almost too small to notice.Curtains are more about comfort and blocking light than slashing costs.
That said, I still think they’re worth it for the comfort factor alone. I work odd hours and being able to sleep during the day without sunlight streaming in is a game-changer. Plus, there’s something nice about having that extra bit of privacy, especially if you’re on a lower floor or your windows face a busy street.
If anyone’s really looking to cut energy costs, I agree—better insulation or upgrading old windows is where you’ll see real results. Those aren’t always budget-friendly options though. For renters like me, sometimes curtains are the only thing you can actually change. In that case, even if it’s just a couple bucks a month, I’ll take it. Every little bit helps when you’re counting pennies.
One thing I did notice: layering curtains (like blackout plus a lighter sheer) seemed to help a bit more with both temperature and light control than just using one or the other. Not sure if it’s enough to justify the extra expense, but it made the room feel cozier. Maybe that’s partly psychological, but hey, comfort counts for something.
It’s funny how visualizing your space can shift your priorities. Once I mapped out my apartment, I realized which windows were actually letting in the most heat and adjusted accordingly. Sometimes just rearranging furniture or adding a rug can make a bigger difference in comfort than any curtain ever will.
Mapping out your space really does make a difference. I used to just throw blackout curtains up and hope for the best, but once I actually paid attention to which windows got the most sun, it changed how I set things up. Sometimes I wonder if those window film kits would help more than curtains for heat—anyone tried those? I keep thinking about giving them a shot, but not sure if it’s worth the hassle.
I’ve looked into those window film kits too, but honestly, I’m not convinced they’re worth the money. The reviews are all over the place—some people swear by them, others say they barely noticed a difference. Plus, if you’re renting, peeling them off later can be a pain. I just stick with cheap thermal curtains and maybe a draft stopper if it gets bad. Has anyone actually seen their electric bill go down after using the film? That’s what I really want to know before spending anything.
Visualizing your space really does make a difference—sometimes you spot issues you’d never notice otherwise. On the window film, I tend to agree with your skepticism. In my experience, the energy savings are pretty marginal unless you have single-pane windows or serious drafts. The installation can be tricky too, and if you’re renting, there’s always that worry about residue or damage. I’ve seen better results with layered curtains and draft stoppers, honestly. If you’re looking for a noticeable drop in your electric bill, the film alone probably won’t get you there, but it might help a bit if you combine it with other measures.
