Did you know energy efficient window coverings can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent? It’s true.
According to a study by the United States Department of Energy, using something as simple as medium-colored drapes pulled shut during the hot summer months can cut your energy consumption.
At ABC Blind & Drapery, we can help you choose stylish and smart energy efficient window coverings that maximize the energy-saving possibilities in your home. From blinds and shutters to drapes and shades, our window treatments provide far more than beauty. In fact, they can help you save energy in more ways than you might think.
Here are a few factoids, tips and tricks to consider:
Keeping Solar Heat Out
The location of the windows in your home matter when it comes to choosing the right window treatment. For example, West-facing windows take in a lot of harsh sunlight, which also brings in heat. Using heavier coverage for these windows is an intelligent solution, because during the hot months, you don’t have to blast your AC (as much!) to stay cool.
Enjoying Natural Light
In contrast, your South-facing windows avoid harsh sunlight and heat making them optimal resources for natural light. That means less coverage for these windows makes sense. That way you can enjoy natural light and cut down on your energy consumption.
Smart Seasonal Colors
You can strategically play with colors based on the seasons. For example, dark colors absorb sunlight so they work best in cooler weather. In the hot months, lighter colors reflect the sun, keeping the temps cooler in your home. If you use window coverings like drapes that have a darker side and a lighter thermal lining, you can actually reverse them according to your seasonal needs with no problem.
White Blinds Work Wonders
Simple white blinds are terrific for shading certain rooms from the hot summer sun. Did you know by shutting the slats completely, and lowering the blinds you can reduce heat gain by about 45 percent? That’s one of the reasons our Austin and Texas Hill Country customers love ABC’s genuine wood blinds! Even during the summer months, you can adjust the slats to let some natural light in and when that light hits the ceiling, the heat and glare are diffused.
Why Shutters are a Great Solution
Another popular energy efficient window coverings option in our customers’ gorgeous Texas homes is plantation shutters. Shutters offer protection against heat loss and heat gain, and they give your home a beautiful timeless architectural element. Shutters are installed tightly within a window frame to create an insulating air space, keeping out hot summer sun and protecting from drafts in cooler weather. Like blinds, the slats can be adjusted to let natural sunlight in and diffuse the heat.
Shades are Simple & Effective
An extremely efficient way to save energy in your home is using shades for your window treatments. Roman shades, roller shades and dual shades are perfect for keeping out solar heat and preventing heat loss. Honeycomb shades and shades with thermal fabric are ideal for West-facing windows, keeping out harsh sunlight. They can be opened completely on South-facing windows during cooler months to let in natural solar heat. Shades also come in a wide variety of stylish colors and they can be motorized for ease of use.
Reducing Heat Loss with Drapes
When closed during cooler months, draperies can actually reduce heat loss about 10 percent. A few energy-saving tricks for utilizing fabric drapes are to let the drapes hang to the windowsill or floor to keep out small drafts around windows. Also, hang them as close to the window as possible to create a “seal” for insulation for added protection against heat loss, you can even use Velcro or magnetic tapes to adhere the sides of the drapes to the walls. Voilà! Goodbye drafts!
As you can see, there are lots of smart solutions for your energy efficient window treatments that offer beauty, functionality and can lower your monthly utility bills. Give us a call at ABC Blind & Drapery to find an efficient and stylish solution for your needs!