In the effort to achieve energy efficiency at home, many people focus their upgrade resources on major areas: insulation, HVAC systems, and energy-efficient appliances. However, one of the most effective-but overlooked-methods of improving your home’s energy efficiency actually exists right at your windows: curtains and blinds. These window treatments not only add style to your living spaces but can also have a great impact on the temperature regulation and energy consumption of your home.
The Science Behind Energy-Efficient Window Coverings
Windows are a major source of heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 30 percent of your home’s heating energy can be lost through the windows, but in summer, 76 percent of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows actually comes in as unwanted heat. These problems can be solved by properly choosing and installing window coverings, which help keep energy bills lower and living more comfortable.
Types of Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Thermal Curtains: These are heavy, lined curtains designed just for insulation. They usually contain several layers of fabric, with insertions of insulating materials between them. While closed, they create some air pocket between the window and the room, acting as a barrier to heat transfer.
Cellular Shades: Also sometimes known as honeycomb shades, these window treatments are designed with a honeycomb structure in which air gets trapped, acting very efficiently as an insulator. They can come with single, double, and even triple cells. The more cells there are, usually the better the insulation will be.
Roman Shades: Roman shades can be one of the effective and aesthetic solutions for energy efficiency if made from thick, insulating fabrics. They lay flat when lowered, thus minimizing gaps that let heat out or in.
Roller Blinds: Though generally less insulating as compared to other alternatives, roller blinds may also be decent thermal providers if they were made from thermal fabrics. The most energy-efficient they become when combined with some other window treatments.
Plantation Shutters: These are the solid window coverings that insulate extremely well whenever the shutters are fully closed. They seem to work most effectively during summer when they block much heat, and you will open them up for partial lighting and air.
Proper Installation: The curtains should be installed to hang as close to the window as possible and fall onto a windowsill or floor. For blinds, mount them as close to the glass as possible and to the sides of the window frame for minimal gap spaces.
Strategic Operation: The curtains and blinds should be opened during the day to warm up with sunlight during winter, then closed at night to retain heat. In summer, this is done in reverse: During the day, they are shut to keep out heat and opened at night to vent heat.
Layering: Put different types of window coverings in combination for the maximum effect. For example, cellular shades can be installed under curtains for increased insulation.
Color Consideration: Light-colored backings on curtains and blinds can reflect heat back outdoors during summer months. Motorization and Automation: Consider motorized blinds or curtains that you can program to open and close during the time most beneficial for energy efficiency, even when away from home.
Additional Benefits
Aside from energy efficiency, appropriate window coverings have other benefits:
UV Protection: They offer protection against sun-caused fading of furniture, flooring, and artwork.
Privacy – give privacy to your home without sacrificing the rays of sun. Reduction of Noise – a solid window treatment helps dampen the noise from outside. Improvement in Sleep – blackout curtains or blinds can maybe help one manage a larger sleeping environment that would bring better quality sleep. The Bottom Line
It is true that high-quality curtains and blinds may be quite expensive upfront, but the savings that would materialize through a reduction in energy consumption might be considerable over time. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, prudent use of window treatments can reduce heat gain up to 77% and heat loss by up to 40%. This can mean lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
What’s more, you don’t have to compromise on style with so many styles, colors, and materials available. Energy-efficient window treatments can be a beautiful part of your interior design while adding to a comfortable and sustainable living environment.
Indeed, with due care in selecting and putting up curtains and blinds, you can make a huge difference to your home’s energy efficiency. It is one of those painless yet highly effective steps a person can take towards an ecologically friendly home that is economical.
