How to Choose Energy Efficient Window Treatments

We love the light open feel of lots of windows in a space. But winter can bring a chill to your room if you don’t have any coverings for your windows. It’s not the cracks and crevices that lets in the cold. It’s the glass itself. Glass has no insulation and therefore, cools the air around it. And because cool air sinks, more warm air comes in to replace it at the top of the room. That is why you sometimes can feel a “draft” around your windows even if there are no leaks.


According to the Department of Energy, a home can lose up to 30% of heating and cooling energy through its windows. Therefore, anything you can put in front of the glass will stop it from cooling the room. Energy efficient window treatments are the answer. They can cover your windows beautifully and block energy from going through them.


Even if you do have new windows, choosing the right blinds, shades, and curtains will ensure your energy consumption is as efficient as possible.


Window treatments can improve energy efficiency

Window treatments help the energy efficiency of your home by:

  • Providing insulation – When outdoor temperatures are cold, window treatments help insulate at the window. This prevents heat from escaping and keeps a room warmer.
  • Controlling solar heat gain – During warmer months, close your window treatments during the daytime. This prevents the sun’s harsh rays from heating up a room. Your home will feel cooler and your HVAC won’t have to work as hard. At night, keep your window treatments closed to keep the cool air in.
  • Using natural light to reduce the use of electric light – Natural light can make a room more inviting. You can maximize natural light with window treatments that draw it into a room. This reduces your need for electric light, which also reduces energy use.


Each of these contribute to your energy savings.


Best Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Energy efficient window treatments are popular because homeowners want to be comfortable and save money. They help you lower your energy costs and keep your interior comfortable.

There are many types and styles to choose from. Here are our choices.


Cellular Shades


Cellular shades are the most insulating interior shades available anywhere. While you might think your vinyl blinds are helping save energy, field studies have shown that cellular shades outperform traditional vinyl blinds in terms of energy efficiency.

Roman Shades

Roman shades provide the benefits of a cellular shade but with the luxurious look of a Roman shade. They can help reduce your energy consumption while offering privacy and light control. From blackout shades, to room darkening fabrics and linings, there are a variety of options to fit your needs.

One of the best features of roman shades is the versatility that comes with top-down or bottom-up operation. Just by slightly lowering the top of your shades, you invite in natural light, saving your energy bills, while removing the frustration of too much direct light. 


Roller and Solar Shades

Roller and solar shades feature clean, contemporary lines, and help reduce heat gain in a room. They are made from fabrics that are engineered to block out a significant percentage of harmful UV rays while still allowing light into your rooms. This design also helps keep your home at your desired temperature. Roller shades are very versatile, working great in nearly any room. 

Side Panels and Draperies

Side panels and drapery add another layer of insulation at the window, while helping to prevent light gaps. This layered look gives your light and dark options. Sheers, natural woven shades and other semi-opaque window coverings can be layered with more room darkening options to give a rich and warm look.

Shutters

Interior shutters add character to a room, while the natural insulating properties of wood and the air barrier inside vinyl shutters help create a more comfortable space.

  • Winter – Open the shutter louvers so the sun’s rays can help warm up interiors or close them to keep cold air out.
  • Summer – Close louvers to help keep warm air and the sun’s rays out, so a room stays cooler, reducing air conditioning costs.

Energy efficient window treatments are a great way of managing your interior climate while also bringing your energy costs down. You can find plenty of window coverings designed to keep you comfortable all year round. And they are worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to make their home more energy efficient.

If you are unsure about what type of window treatments you should get, feel free to contact us. Our team can help you figure out what kind of window treatment solution will best suit your requirements.

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