As energy prices continue to rise, there is an increasingly keen interest by homeowners to find effective ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and cut down utility bills. One normally overlooked way that the energy efficiency of a home can be enhanced is through the use of window treatments. Some window treatments have been found to reduce energy consumption by offering insulation, blocking direct sunlight, and reducing heat loss in a home. This makes your home more comfortable while saving money. The following are various ways you can utilize window treatments to boost energy efficiency in your home:.
Energy-Saving Types of Window Treatments
Cellular Shades
Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades are one of those window treatments that can enhance energy efficiency fairly well. Miniblinds are available in a honeycomb design that allows cold or warm air to get trapped within independent cells. This traps a layer of insulation between the window and the room. This also helps in maintaining the indoor temperature through reduced heat loss during winter and by keeping out the heat during the summer. Cellular shades are available as single, double, or triple-cell designs, with the highest insulation level coming from the triple-cell shades.
Thermal Drapes
Thermal or insulated drapes are made of several layers of fabric, usually with a special thermal backstop that stops the transfer of heat. These drawn drapes not only retain the warm air inside during cold seasons but also serve to block hot air during summer. They serve quite nicely in blocking drafts, and when combined with other window treatments like cellular shades or blinds, they add another layer of insulation. Thermal drapes are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and other places where temperature regulation is most required.
Lined Roman Shades
The other alternative for enhancing the energy efficiency of windows is Roman shades, lined with either thermal or blackout materials. The lining in these shades will make them thick enough to act as a cold and heat barrier. Most lined shades give a perfect balance between insulation and light control. Generally, Roman shades can be made to fit just about any window size or shape in just about any room in the house.
Blinds with Reflective Backing
The blind, if it has a reflective backing or coating, reflects sunlight away from windows. During summer, tilt the slats upward in order that the sun is deflected yet still some amount of daylight enters the room. In winter, lower it to trap warm air inside the room. Blinds are versatile for controlling the light and ideal for rooms which receive much direct sunlight.
Solar Shades
Solar shades block dangerous UV rays and minimize heat gain while still maintaining a clear outside view. The tightly woven fabrics of these shades are able to filter as much as 95% of the UV rays, preventing your home from heating up throughout the day. The very best thing about solar shades is that they are perfect for south-facing windows or rooms receiving an extreme effect of the sun. This provides ease and comfort in lowering the cooling costs and also saves your furniture and flooring from sun damage.
Where to Put Energy-Efficient Window Treatments for Maximum Savings
South and West-Facing Windows
These are the windows that receive the most direct sunlight; thus, this position makes them very apt for energy-efficient window treatments. Cellular shades, solar shades, and thermal drapes installed on south- and west-facing windows significantly help reduce heat gain during summer and keep your house cooler by reducing the need for air conditioning. During winter, such treatments will help retain heat and keep rooms warm and cozy without overusing your heating system.
Family Rooms and Living Rooms
Living rooms and family areas are the largest rooms in a house, with expansive windows that allow a lot of natural light into the house. As much as natural light is ideal, it may also be a source of increased heat gain or loss. Energy-efficient treatments such as thermal drapes, lined Roman shades, or cellular shades installed on these rooms will promote comfortability year-round while minimizing the workload on your HVAC.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are another critical area where the effect of energy-efficient window treatments would most dramatically affect. Insulated or blackout drapes would work wonders in bedrooms since they not only block out light for greater protection but thermally protect as well. Cellular shades are a great choice in bedrooms since they offer a good balance between light control, privacy, and energy efficiency at maintaining the room temperature throughout the night.
Kitchens and Dining Spaces
Kitchens and dining areas demand treatments that delicately balance light control and privacy with energy efficiency. Solar shades or cellular shades would work appropriately in such rooms, particularly for those whose windows receive direct sunlight. Solar shades can reduce glare while impeding heat gain, allowing a person to keep a more comfortable temperature whether cooking or dining.
Home Offices
Comfort in the home office is important in terms of sustaining productivity. Installing window treatments that would control light and temperature, such as cellular shades or Roman shades with thermal lining, enables the creation of a work environment that really spells comfort and productivity. These treatments cut glare on computer screens and keep the space cool during summer and warm during winter.
Considerations When Choosing Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Following are some of the most critical factors to bear in mind when you select energy-efficient window treatments :
- Climate and Location: The climate and geographic location of your house are quite important in knowing which kind of window treatment would work best. For cold climates, you should consider those kinds of treatments offering maximum insulation, like cellular shades or thermal drapes. If you live in a climate that’s on the hotter side, look for treatments that can block out heat and UV rays-solar shades, or even blinds with reflective backing.
- Window Orientation: Remember, your window’s orientation plays a major role. Generally speaking, south- and west-facing windows receive the most sunshine, thus often needing treatments that insulate while protecting from the sun. Eastand north-facing windows may not require such intense treatments.
- Material and Design: Different materials avail different energy efficiency levels. Opt for treatments with a design that fundamentally obstructs heat transfer, such as those made of thermal linings or reflective coatings. Mix style with function in a design that best fits your house while availing more energy savings.
- Layering for Efficiency: Window treatments can be done in layers to further enhance energy efficiency. Blinds added with drapes or a valance over a cellular shade can provide more barriers to heat loss or gain and optimize insulation with style.
By choosing appropriate window treatment, you will be able to hugely enhance the energy efficiency of your home, reduce energy bills, and ensure a more comfortable living environment. From cellular shades to thermal drapes, and from solar shades to reflective blinds-so many more options remain at your disposal to fit your needs and style preferences. At Danny’s Design House, we have a huge selection of energy-efficient window treatments designed to fit any home. Reach out to us today for more information, and begin to save on energy bills all while improving comfort and beauty in your home.