Three Types Of Window Treatments That Promote Energy Efficiency

These days, as the cost of energy rises, it is more important than ever before to minimize the amount of energy your home uses. Most people focus on choosing appliances that use less energy, but you should also try to choose items that keep heat from leaving your home (in the winter) or coming into your home (in the summer.) Window treatments can be an effective energy-saving element, but only if you choose the right ones. Here are three types of window treatments that do a great job of promoting energy efficiency.

1. Self-Adjusting Blinds

Normal blinds are not very energy-efficient unless you remember to open and close them at the right times. In the summer, at least, you can have them open when the sun is low to let in some light, but you need to close them as the sun becomes stronger to keep it from warming up the house. Self-adjusting blinds make these adjustments all on their own. They generally coordinate with an app on your smartphone so you can open or close them with a few swipes, but they also close when they detect too much sunlight. By being self-adjusting, these blinds keep too much sunlight from entering your home and driving up your energy bills.

2. Cellular Shades

In colder climates, cellular or honeycomb shades are a really good choice for energy efficiency. Instead of consisting of one piece of material, these shades have a honeycomb-like texture. The air trapped in each honeycomb compartment acts as an insulator, reducing the transfer of heat through the window. You can find honeycomb shades in a wide range of styles, but most are your classic pull-down shades. If you do not love the look of cellular shades, you can always hang some thin curtains over them to camouflage them.

3. Insulating Curtains

Another option is to outfit your home with thick insulating curtains. These are usually made from wool or fleece. They are a common option in the winter months, largely due to their cozy look, but if you can get past the look, they actually work well in the summer months, too. They trap heat between the glass and the curtain so it does not actually make its way into your home. Again, if you do not love the look of the curtains, you can hang sheer curtains over top of them to hide them somewhat.

Which one of these window treatments is right for you? Start looking at specific styles to find out!

Contact a company like Ripley's Blind & Drapery for more information.


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