Everyone is struggling with energy cost and keeping their home at the ideal temperature. We have upgraded the AC, got thermo smart-filters, and added a Nest thermostat, but what else needs to be done? The next step is to reduce the energy loss through the windows. The Department of Energy says “about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.” That’s a lot of temperature fluctuation.
In reality, any type of window treatments will result in energy savings. That’s not quite good enough for us here at goodfind.guru, we want the exact savings. Getting a better idea of the numbers depends on how the attachment is used, the type of attachment, the season, and of course the climate. Let’s talk about blinds and custom window treatments to help improve your energy use.
Windows are great and terrible for energy loss in your home. They are terrific in gabbing the suns heat for warmth, but a terrible waste of leaking cooled air, Naturally as you would think, that hurts your energy bill. Windows can increase your energy consumption by up to 20 percent due to the cool or warm air loss. Unacceptable! How do we control this? Let’s take a look at some great options.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades fill a need for window coverings that would reduce consumers’ energy use at a reasonable price. They started to pop up after the energy crisis of the 70s. They use a honeycomb shaped cells to trap air. This allows the cellular shades to add a layer of insulation. You will want to use double shades rather than a single for better results. They do have without a doubt, the highest efficiency value of all window treatments.
This makes them the best choices for energy efficient window treatments. You will want to use the top-down bottom-up style. This will allow for maximum light control and thermal efficiency. They do this by allowing you to control the amount of sunshine that comes in throughout the day. While the energy savings are terrific, they are an elegant and classic design. So even though they are at a low cost and provide the best thermal results, they still look amazing. Can’t go wrong here.
Shutters
Now onto the shutters. Shutters are installed tightly to the window itself. This results in less of a gap, which adds to their thermal efficiency. Louvered adjustable panels, with a great custom fitting, are a great way to prevent cooled inside air from escaping to the outside. Shutters in the winter will create a seal to keep your warm air in. This will save you in both the winter and hotter months energy bills.
Closing your shutters during the summer will block sunlight. Creating a barrier against the intrusion of that warm, moist and sultry summer air. Plus they look fantastic. Enhancing the aesthetics of your home with a classic and wonderful style. If you are looking for a great way to improve the value of your home, control the outside light, fabulous insulators that will save on your energy bill, as well as look fabulous, just get shutters.
Its Getting Hot in Here, So Install Solar Shades
For those of us below the deep south, we need to talk about solar shades. Solar Shades utilize an opaque material that allows you an outside view while still creating an energy efficient barrier against UV rays. With an array of transparencies, even a glorious blackout option, there is a great look for every room in your house. Here in Florida, you will want to install them to the exterior of your home to block UV rays before they penetrate inside.
Don’t worry about a lack of privacy if you go with solar shades either, they can still give you total privacy from the outside in while giving you a full view from the inside out.
Onto Window Film
A great way to save your energy is to add sheets of self-adhering plastic that are applied directly to window glass, like window tint. This is called window film, You can use window film to add decorative touches. Create nice and stunning looks like cracked glass or my favorite, stained glass windows. Or go hardcore with a dark tint, specifically to block heat transfer and solar gain.
Energy-efficiency tax credits may even come in to play. You can also get a mirrored look for an additional privacy layer. The best part about window film is they can be used in conjunction with any or all of the above-mentioned window treatments.