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The effect window furnishings have on room temperature
The Background
Living in Canberra, a place known for its chilly temperatures, Tanya Buettikofer experienced first hand how her living room temperatures could fluctuate through different parts of the day. She wondered if window furnishings directly affected the amount of indirect heat and cold stemming from the windows. To explore this in more detail, Tanya developed an experiment to test the insulation effectiveness of common window furnishings. She wanted to know how well window furnishings insulate a room, which are the most effective, and if they performed more effectively when used in conjunctions with external window furnishings.
The Project
After visiting four window furnishing firms in Fyshwick, Tanya discovered that materials used for window furnishings lacked insulation ratings. She therefore sought to measure and rate the insulation properties of four common furnishings: cotton curtains, wooden blinds, metal blinds and polyester blinds. For her experiment Tanya constructed five models that mimicked interior rooms with one window. Four models were furnished with one of the above furnishings, the fifth model was held as the control. Thermometers were installed inside and outside the models. The experiment consisted of two tests subjecting the model rooms to heat and cold. Test one recorded room temperatures with the internal window furnishings. Test two measured the insulation effect of external window furnishings (awnings and shutters) in conjunction with the internal window furnishings.
Tanya analysed her experiment results, concluding that wooden blinds are the best insulator and that window furnishings insulate rooms more effectively in conjunction with external furnishings.
The Journey
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Tanya demonstrated a remarkable learning process ingrained in scientific research. She provided a detailed account of her methodical thought processes, defining the topic, designing simulated models and providing recommendations.
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Her experiment explores a link between lifestyle choices and energy conservation.
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Energy conservation should be considered when making decisions about household purchases (such as window furnishings) as this can impact on the product's function as well as householders comfort.
Installing appropriate window furnishings will assist householders to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases. Rigorous scientific research (presented appropriately to the audience) plays an important role in enabling people to make decisions to live more sustainably.
