We usually block unwanted heat and bring more privacy into your home with the best window blinds. The variety is endless, and homeowners can easily choose from horizontal blinds for bedrooms and vertical for sun rooms to curtains meant to block light entirely and add a touch of originality to your home. But did you know that certain types of blinds are meant to help you save money on your energy bill? Energy efficient window treatments have gained a lot of recognition lately, and apparently they’re an innovative way of saving cash without freezing to death in the cold season. So it’s time to bring revolution in your home décor to save money in your energy bills.
DOE, the US Department of Energy has recently reported that windows account for 25% of annual cooling and heating costs in people’s homes. In some cases, they account for as much as 40%. People don’t just want their windows and blinds to provide heat or fresh air; they want them to look appealing too. What’s the purpose of having the coolest window in the world if it doesn’t look enticing? Thermal curtains, blinds and insulated shades are window treatments homeowners should consider to save money on their energy bill, as well as make their room appear modern and high-end. They are not only energy efficient but eco-friendly too thus helping you in taking a step towards saving the environment.
To get as much as possible out of your windows, it is important to make them adjustable. Based on the time of the day and season, homeowners may wish to have lighter, fresh air, or heat, all in the name of privacy, comfort and convenience. Here are some types of blinds you might want to consider to make your home as energy efficient as possible. Try out these top ones chosen from numerous window treatment options available:
Honeycomb shades
If you want to mix energy efficiency and privacy, honeycomb shades might be an excellent choice. These binds have a layered design meant to trap air in separate cells. Inert air is a terrible heat conductor, which is why honeycomb shades have the power to create an efficient barrier that is temperature transferable between the room and the window. Honeycomb shades that are double pleated prevent energy loss; they have R-2 and R-5 values, even though some manufacturers claim the R-value might even reach R-8.
Plantation shutters
These types of shutters are positioned to the inside of a window, and they’re usually selected for their aesthetic allure. Nonetheless, plantation shutters are incredibly energy-efficient too. According to the Smart Energy Alliance, wood shutters provide R values of up to R-3. Together with vinyl plantation shutters, these act as insulators, even though wood is a lot better at fighting off increased temperatures. Because wood shutters go really well in window frames, they successfully block heat transfer through convection or air movement, thus creating an obstruction between a home’s interior and outside temperatures.
Draperies
Generally speaking, when people hear of drapes they immediately think of decor linens. However, experts agree that certain types of materials are great at saving energy. Search drapes with interlining and lining; for example, blackout lining can protect you from the summer sun and dreadful heat. Thermally lined drapes on the other hand, have interlining manufactured from thick flannel, which efficiently shuts out cool air. Just like shutters and shades, draperies are effective only when you close them.
When they are closed entirely, lined drapes have R-values that range from R-3 to R-5, based on the thickness and type of fabric chosen. For maximum energy effectiveness, use floor to ceiling drapes that go against the wall. This way the drapes seal the window thus preventing loss of heat.
Window films
This sort of window blinds are in fact sheets made of plastic that go directly on the window glass. Certain films have mostly decorative purposes, such as those that mimic stained glass. Others however, are meant to block heat and light. Window films that are energy efficient are mostly used for blocking sunlight wavelengths. They decrease solar heat gain by nearly 70%. This makes them ideal types of shades in sunny regions like south-western US.
Isn’t it great that you can now save your money by just changing your window treatment options? Now you can save important sums of money by investing in top quality window blinds for your beautiful home. This will definitely help you in saving energy bills. Not only this, they also give an amazing look to your home. The variety is endless out there; from wooden shades and draperies, to shutters and curtain fabric online, homeowners will certainly find a type to suit their budget and needs. You can choose any one what is suitable to you.
