Window treatments are an important part of home energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient window treatments help conserve energy, reduce your home's carbon footprint, and save you money on your energy bills. Window treatments, such as shades, shutters, and curtains, are designed to block out sunlight and keep your home warm in the winter. They also help keep the temperature inside your home more consistent, which can reduce your energy costs and improve the overall comfort of your home.
Simply put, energy-efficient window treatments help keep your home comfortable year-round and save you money year after year.
How can I help keep my home comfortable?
The direction of your windows plays a big role in how heat is lost in the winter.
North-facing windows experience the least amount of heat gain throughout the day, whereas South-facing windows collect the most heat during the day. East-facing and West-facing windows lose the most amount of heat during winter and can actually gain the most amount of heat in the summer months. If your home has predominantly East- or West-facing windows, energy-efficient window treatments will keep your home more comfortable and save your wallet year-round.
Keeping your window treatments open during the day, especially on windows that receive direct sunlight, like South-facing windows, will help warm your home during the day. Closing your window treatments after the sun is no longer shining directly on the windows will also help insulate your home and keep the heat inside. This way your heater will have to work less to keep your home warm, saving energy and money.
A great option to consider is motorized window treatments. Many brands now allow you to set your motorized blinds or shades on a timer so that they open and close during the day automatically. Not only is this a great option if you work outside of your home, but it is also a great option for when you are traveling. Motorized window treatments will open to maximize the amount of light let into your home during the day and close to retain the heat during the night. This way you keep your home comfortable without having to remember when to open and close your window treatments.
Why make the switch to energy-efficient now?
The quality of your window treatments also greatly impacts the amount of heat lost through your window in the winter. According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of residential energy use is due to heat transfer through windows. With the cost of utilities rising, this could mean that you could be losing hundreds of dollars a year through your windows. For example, if your household spent $950 on heating and cooling your home over the course of a year, then your windows would be responsible for accumulating about $285 of that cost.
There are three factors controlling the amount of energy lost through your windows – the
quality of the windows, the number and size of the windows, and the window coverings.
Energy-efficient window treatments are the easiest and most cost-effective way to combat heat transfer without major renovation to your home, and they will save you hundreds of dollars year after year.
Energy-efficient window treatments are useful year-round no matter what climate you live in. In the US, there are even tax incentives and rebates right now for energy-efficient window treatments. With so many incentives and different styles available, now could not be a better time to update your home's window treatments!
What options do I have?
Let's take a closer look at some of the different kinds of energy-efficient window treatments to see what would work best in your home.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades due to the hexagonal-shaped pattern within the shade. The unique design allows air to be trapped within these cells creating insulation between the layers. This type of shade is typically the most energy-efficient window coverings available. Properly installed Cellular shades can cut heat loss through windows by 40%, according to the Department of Energy.
Cellular shades come in a wide variety of pleat sizes, colors, fabrics, textures, and patterns.The accessibility of these shades, along with their energy efficiency, make these shades some of the most popular choices available on the market today.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are roller shades that are mounted to a frame within the window. They come in various degrees of openness or opaqueness. Solar shades are best at keeping harmful UV rays out when they are lowered, but depending on the openness of the material, they will not inhibit your view. Solar shades are specifically designed to prevent heat gain and reduce glare while not fully obstructing the view from your windows.
Solar shades are popular choices for protecting rooms from UV rays, heat gain, and glare. If you are looking for a protective window treatment that does not obstruct the view, then solar shades would be a great option to consider.
Shutters
Shutters are another excellent choice for keeping your home’s heat inside in the winter.
Shutters tend to have a better seal around your window because they are usually installed directly to the window frame. When the shutters are closed, they provide an air barrier between the shutters and the window which decreases the amount of heat lost. They are especially effective at reducing drafts and also provide a staggering 99% protection coverage from harsh UV rays.
The material of the shutters will determine their energy efficiency. Shutters made from vinyl typically are more insulating than wood shutters. Shutters are always a great choice because they not only add excellent insulation, but also increase the amount of light control, privacy, and aesthetics of the room, adding to the overall value of your home.
Drapery
Drapes and curtains provide a layer of insulation between the window and the room. In
winter, fabric treatments should be open during the day when the sun is shining directly on the window and closed during the evening to better retain heat. According to the Department of Energy, most conventional draperies can reduce heat lost from a warm room by up to 10%.
Draperies with thermal linings will also increase insulation around the window, especially if they are hung close to the window and fall either to the windowsill or all the way to the floor. For a better seal around the window, a cornice can be installed at the top of the draperies, or the draperies can be installed against the ceiling.
By adding drapes or curtains to your windows, you will not only add to the style of your home, but you will also greatly increase the energy efficiency of your windows.
What are my next steps?
No matter which window treatment you choose, Gotcha Covered will measure your windows accurately, ensure that you get a perfect fit, and install your treatments to maximize the energy efficiency of your window treatments and your home.
Our Design Consultants know the value that comes from finding the perfect balance of style and function for every window treatment. We offer a complete selection of window
treatment options to suit every style and budget, along with a consultative approach to help you make your dream space come to life.
We will walk you through every step of the process, which includes:
- Scheduling a consultation
- Determining your specific needs
- Assessing your personal style and design
- Guiding you through product options and solutions in your own home
- Performing precise, on-site measuring
- Delivering superior professional installation
During your consultation, we fully assess your space and the windows for which you’re
seeking new or replacement coverings. Our expert consultants will then make honest
recommendations based on their extensive industry expertise.
We have years of experience throughout the United States and Canada handling all types of projects, large and small, and we are fully equipped to provide you with the best window treatment services in the industry.
Find your local Gotcha Covered to schedule your free consultation today and begin this year with a more energy-efficient and comfortable home!
