The Vacuum Insulated Heatable Curtain (VIHC): A DIY Breakthrough that Insulates and Heats—Gently, Efficiently, and On Your Terms

Let me speak to you directly. We have spent years turning careful research into practical products people can actually use. VIHC is the next step—an extension of VIC—adding low-power radiant warmth to the same vacuum-insulation platform.

What is VIHC?

VIHC is the world’s first curtain that blocks cold infiltration through glazing and provides gentle, targeted heat from the curtain itself—INVENTED BY Professor Saim Memon. The technology has advanced from TRL 1 to TRL 9 and is launching in 2025.

Build: a 7 mm curtain assembly that combines a 3 mm vacuum-insulation layer with an ultra-thin heating mesh positioned just behind it.
Thermal performance: λ ≈ 0.013 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ (13.1 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) for the insulated layer.
Power profile: about 1 kilowatt-hour for three hours of use (roughly ≈ 333 W average), delivering a soft, radiant warmth to the occupied zone.

It hangs like any quality curtain. No glazing swap. No scaffolding. No plumbers or electricians for standard installations—just the same poles or tracks you already use, plus a tidy power lead to a socket.

Why VIHC instead of turning up the heating?

Because it does two jobs at once.

Insulation: like VIC, it cuts heat loss through windows when drawn, lowering the demand on your main heating.
Zoned warmth: the gentle mesh provides local radiant comfort where you actually sit and work—without running the whole-house system harder.

In practice, that combination helps you lower thermostat set-points or shorten heating runtimes while maintaining comfort.

Who is it for?

UK and EU homes facing high heating costs, especially with single glazing or older double glazing.
Listed buildings and rentals where replacing windows is restricted or impractical.
Hotels, schools, offices with large glazed areas and limited maintenance windows.
Anyone who values portability: VIHC moves with you; it is your asset, not the landlord’s.

How does it feel in use?

Think of soft radiant heat, not a loud fan heater. Draw the VIHC in the evening; it reduces cold downdraughts and raises mean radiant temperature near the seating area. Rooms feel more stable, less draughty, and quicker to feel comfortable.

Key benefits at a glance

Two-in-one comfort: 7 mm thick; vacuum insulation + gentle heating.
Low power: ≈ 1 kWh for 3 hours—ideal for smart, targeted evening warmth.
DIY friendly: hang like a curtain; no glazing works, no mess.
Smart zoning: warm the occupied room; avoid running the whole house.
Heritage-friendly: perfect where glazing cannot be replaced.
Portable: take it with you when you move.

Straight answers to sensible questions

Q: Will VIHC heat my whole house?
A: No. It is zoned comfort for the room where it is installed. The aim is to boost local comfort while the vacuum layer reduces window losses—so your main heating can work less.

Q: How much does it cost to run?
A: At ≈ 1 kWh for 3 hours, simply multiply by your tariff. At 22 p/kWh, that’s ≈ 22 p for an evening’s gentle warmth.

Q: Can I pair it with my central heating?
A: Yes. Many users lower the thermostat by 1–2°C when the VIHC is drawn; the insulation + radiant combination keeps comfort up while the boiler runs less.

Q: Do I need an electrician?
A: Standard models plug into a normal socket. For unusual situations, ask us—we will advise.

Q: What about safety?
A: The system is designed with thermal cut-outs and appropriate surface temperature limits. Use a dedicated socket, avoid covering the active area with additional textiles, and follow the user guide.

Installation and sizing—kept simple

Measure as you would for any curtain. Maintain your preferred fullness; ensure stack-back so glazing is clear by day.
Returns matter. Side returns help reduce edge leakage and improve comfort.
Power lead routing. Plan a tidy route to the socket; use cable clips where needed.
Care and cleaning. The decorative face is wipe-clean or dry-clean depending on fabric choice; the insulated heating layer remains enclosed.

If you need specifics, request our Measuring and Installation Sheet—one page, clear diagrams, no jargon.

VIHC vs alternatives

Versus window replacement: no planning hurdles, no scaffolding, fraction of the time and cost; keep the heritage look.
Versus blackout or “thermal” curtains: those rely on dense fabrics; VIHC’s vacuum core is in a different performance class, and it adds heat when you need it.
Versus plug-in heaters: VIHC warms the room envelope at the glazing line and improves overall comfort by reducing losses, not just blasting convective air.

Launch, orders, and technical support

TRL 9 and launching in 2025. We support specifications, sizing, fabric choices, and payback estimates based on your tariff and usage. If you would like datasets for analysis or trials, we provide quick-start logging guidance.

Ready to pre-order—or want a quick call first?

Contact our Customer Service Team for pricing, fabric options, lead times, and a room-by-room plan.
Prefer a direct conversation? Email or phone Professor Saim Memon to discuss your home, tariff, and comfort targets; we will sketch a 10-minute payback estimate for your scenario.
Explore specifications, purchasing steps, videos, and FAQs at www.sanyoulondon.com.

VIHC brings insulation and warmth together in one elegant, low-power curtain. Hang it in the afternoon; enjoy comfort by evening; keep the savings for years.