As I promised from last week’s blog regarding tips to cool off without air conditioning, I would let you know about window treatments that can lower your energy bills.
Whether it’s a pair of drapes framing a sunny view or shades for privacy above a bow or bay window, many homeowners decorate windows based on beauty—not function.
However, window treatments can also help lower your monthly energy bills.
So, let’s explore which options might work best for you.
According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), drapes backed with white plastic can reduce energy loss by up to 33%.
If you weren’t a fan (no pun intended) of the non-AC tips in last week’s blog, then consider trying these energy-saving window treatments instead.
Shades
According to the DOE, they consider window shades as the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window treatments. The key thing to know is that proper installment is paramount. Your installer needs to create a tight seal between the wall and the glass to minimize heat gain and loss. Remember that light shades reflect in the summer and darker shades will absorb heat during winter. Check out the Thermal Woven Cordless Roman Shade from Country Curtains in Beverly. I particularly like the bordered bamboo woven style-oh so coastal!
Possible Gain: They can help reduce both solar heat gain and heat loss.
Blinds
Did you know that both interior and exterior blinds can help maintain desired light, privacy and ventilation as well also save money on your energy bills by reducing solar heat gain? Putting my teacher hat on for a moment here. Solar heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is the prevention of letting heat into the home through the panes of glass sourced by the sun. The lower the number, the better. Typical Energy Star rated windows range from 1.25-.25. Our industry leading windows can be as low as .18. How do you like that number? You can check out our award winning energy efficient windows and this month with a purchase of 8 or more, I will personally send you a $100 Home Goods Gift Card. Double Bonus!
Ok, back to blinds….although tricky to install, exterior blinds are more effective than interior blinds as they block the heat before it’s transmitted through the window, warming up the room and possibly damaging your furniture with UV rays. You can check out some interior blinds such as the Easy Touch Blind Cordless Blinds. Bonus….the slats are mildew resistant. But remember, it’s really interior blinds that win in this style of window fashion.
Possible Gain: Good option for light, ventilation and privacy while reducing heat gain.
Drapes
Drapes are one of the best ways to insulate your home from solar heat gain and winter heat loss. Choose the right fabric weight and color, as mentioned earlier. Position the drapes as close to the windows as possible. Ensure a tight seal to achieve maximum insulation performance. Did you know drapes perform better when hung higher and extend all the way to the floor?
Look at the examples from Country Curtains here for great summer choices! These Insulated Weaver’s Cloth Pinch Pleats keep your heating & cooling bills down while keeping a classic New England Look for your home. These pinch-pleated curtains are backed with thermal acrylic to insulate your rooms against cold drafts in the winter and to keep heat out, as well as to block sunlight in the summer. For additional home interior design tips visit Well Dunn Home Designs.
Possible Gain: Depending on fabric weight and color, good reduction in solar heat gain and loss.
DID YOU KNOW?
There’s something important to know about all window treatments. If your home has steel or aluminum siding, it’s highly conductive. These materials absorb heat and cold, reducing treatment effectiveness. Window treatments may not work well for your home’s energy efficiency. I’d hate to see you waste money installing something that won’t provide savings.
I hope this helped explain how window treatments can lower your energy bills. Want to save up to 40% on energy costs without treatments? Call me at 978-304-0495 to learn how new windows can help. I’m always happy to help! Have a bright, bright sunshiny week! Stephanie
SUNsational Summer Giveaway #8!
This week we have partnered with Tile By Design located in Danvers, MA.
Tile By Design is giving away a set of glass mosaics that are each hand-poured and unique, designed with a certain amount of variation and variegation of color, tone, texture and shade for a distinctive appearance. The hand-made process incorporates creases, wrinkles, waves, bubbles and other surface effects indicative of hand-made glass, all designed to capture light and enhance the final beauty of the project.
