When you move into a new home, you need to make a million decisions about the décor. One critical project involves the selection of each window treatment, which will set the mood of your entire day. From the moment you rise and open your drapes, curtains or blinds, the light that fills your house will not only impact the atmosphere but your bank account.
From summer to winter, the type of material that you pick to cover your windows will affect heat loss and gain. Rather than simply thinking about these choices as aesthetic ones, it’s important to consider the practical aspect, which will also determine family members’ comfort. To help homeowners make the right decision, here are some recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy in “Energy-Efficient Window Treatments.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Window blinds—vertical or horizontal slat-type—are more effective at reducing summer heat gain than winter heat loss.” During the winter, the openings between the slats may leave you feeling chilly. However, here are some of the advantages of blinds during the summer:
● Ability to adjust the slats to control light and ventilation
● Closed or lowered positions to reduce heat gain by around 45%
● Option to block and reflect direct sunlight onto the ceiling
Exterior roller blinds are usually made of the following:
● Aluminum
● Steel
● Vinyl
● Wood
With the option to lower and raise these blinds, homeowners can control the light or shade, as wanted.
Draperies
Besides adding a touch of elegance and drama to any room, draperies have the capacity to reduce heat loss and gain. The closed or open-weave fabric type, which you select, will impact the results. The U.S. Department of Energy, which indicates that these vary based on vastly different types of materials, offers the following tips for the summertime:
● Draperies, with pleats and folds that lose heat, help rooms stay cooler.
● Closed draperies, on windows with direct sunlight, prevent additional heat.
● Medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Here are some guidelines for the winter:
● Most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10%.
● It’s best to close all drapes at night and those that don't receive sunlight during the day.
● To reduce heat, hang draperies close to the windows, and let them fall onto a windowsill or floor.
You may reduce heat loss up to 25% with the following approach:
● Install a cornice at the top of a drapery or place the drapery against the ceiling.
● Seal the drapery at both sides and overlap it in the center.
● Use Velcro or magnetic tape to attach drapes to the wall at the sides and bottom.
In addition the U.S. Department of Energy notes that “Two draperies hung together will create a tighter air space than just one drapery. One advantage is that the room-side drapery will maintain around the same temperature as the interior space, adding to a room's comfort.”
Interior and Exterior Shutters
Another savvy approach to reducing heat loss and gain involves placing window shutters on the inside and outside of your windows. Many think that this technique offers the ultimate insulation. Here are some of the benefits of this double-shutter system:
● Weather protection
● Extra security
● Space saver
If you want to increase the insulation around your windows, you can combine shutters and draperies to double the results!
To learn more about the best window treatments for energy efficiency, call Window Designs by Powers at now. Then, visit Window Designs by Powers at 112 Paris Avenue to find beautiful and practical solutions to enhance your home today!
