Windows are an intrinsic part of your home. They let in light and fresh air and connect you with the outdoors. By adorning them with the proper window coverings, you add beauty and privacy to your home and even control the temperature inside. Unfortunately, window treatments take a lot of energy to heat and cool your home which increases your electricity costs. This makes it necessary to invest in energy-efficient window treatments. Let’s look at a few window coverings that that will help you save on your electricity bills.
Draperies
Draperies come in a wide variety of styles, colours and textures. If saving energy is your primary concern, choose draperies made with thick and medium-coloured fabric that reach the windowsill or floor. To save energy, you can also close drapes for part of the day or night. During the summer, it’s advisable to hang draperies on windows that receive direct sunlight as it reduces heat. Draperies look elegant and help moderate home temperatures.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades have honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air to add a layer of insulation. As these shades are highly efficient, they are widely used by homeowners to treat windows and reduce their electricity costs. To control light and thermal performance, go for top-down and bottom-up styled cellular shades. As they come in a variety of patterns and colours, you can easily find one suited to your décor. For maximum energy efficiency, pair them with draperies.
Roman Shades
As Roman shades are made with thick insulating materials, they are perfect to complement your home’s energy efficiency. Because of their versatility and functionality, they go with almost any type of décor. Roman shades create a soft environment and add warmth to your home. You can buy them as top-down bottom-up to let in natural light and get relief from energy loss. For additional energy savings, add a thermal backing. To provide maximum insulation, close them fully. Installing Roman shades maintains a comfortable temperature in your home and add a stylish touch.
Shutters
Shutters are an excellent way to enhance the look of your home and save on energy. They usually have fewer gaps than other window coverings as they are installed tightly to the frame. The custom adjustable panels block the transfer of cold or warm air from inside to out. Shutters are the perfect window treatment for winter as they create a barrier to keep you warm that also saves on your electricity costs. In summer, closed shutters block sunlight and the entrance of hot and humid air. Shutters are great insulators, let you adjust the outside light and boost your property’s value. Cover your windows with shutters for high energy efficiency and elegant décor.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are an insulating window treatment that won’t block your view outside. Their opaque material creates a barrier between your home and hazardous UV rays. Solar shades allow you to cherish beautiful views and prevent damage to your furniture caused by sunlight. Ideal for blocking harmful UV rays , they give a room complete privacy during the day. Besides bay windows and oversized ones, you can also install them on patio doors.
The above-mentioned window treatment options can reduce your energy consumption, thus saving on your electricity bills. They also affect the look of your home. So, pick energy-efficient window coverings suited to your home to save electricity costs, achieve your desired level of privacy and enhance your décor.