Windows are vital in every structure, especially houses. However, they lose a significant amount of a home’s heating energy. A considerable portion of the sunshine that falls on ordinary double-pane windows is converted to heat during the summer.
Operable window coverings allow you to keep them open or closed for privacy. They also allow you to optimize natural light, take advantage of solar heat in the winter, and limit heat gain in the summer. You can have shades, blinds, screens, awnings, draperies or curtains, and shutters installed in your home.
Learn more about different types of energy-saving window coverings in the sections below.
Being Efficient with Insulated Cellular Shades
Insulated cellular blinds are known for having the greatest R-values of any window covering. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections work as insulators, raising the R-value and lowering heat transmission through the window.
Saving More with Window Quilts
A sheet of quilted material can be rolled open and unrolled to open and close window quilts. They usually fit snugly to the trim, either on tracks or with a Velcro or snaps attachment.
Window quilts provide equivalent R-value increases to cellular blinds and are often less expensive, but they are often more difficult to operate and provide less visible light when closed.
Experimenting with Roller and Roman Shades
Roller shades are often low-cost shades that are lifted and lowered by a roller bar at the window’s top. When raised or lowered, Roman shades are cloth window coverings that fold up into a sequence of evenly arranged folds.
These shades are available in a range of materials, colors, and weaves and normally fit inside or just outside the window casing. Roller and Roman shades provide only a small amount of insulation and are best for privacy, room darkening, and blocking sunlight.
Choosing Convenience with Louvered Blinds
Window blinds are efficient at reducing summer heat gain and glare while also providing adequate indoor lighting.
It’s difficult to prevent heat loss through inside window blinds because of the numerous spaces between the slats, but the slats allow flexibility in the summer. Unlike with shades, you may adjust the slats to limit glare, light, and solar heat gain.
Deflecting Solar Up Exposure with Window Films
Window films limit solar heat gain, glare, and ultraviolet exposure. Because they also shield the sun’s heat in the winter, they are best employed in climates with long cooling seasons.
They’re good for homeowners who don’t want to impede vistas with other window treatments but have glare and solar heat gain difficulties.
They’re also a great option for windows that are challenging to dress with typical window coverings, especially in locations where UV exposure could damage artwork, furniture, or carpets.
Conclusion
Window coverings can help reduce energy expenditures by reducing energy loss. The amount of money saved will vary depending on the attachment, the season, the climate, and how it is used.
In addition to window coverings, storm windows with low-e coatings and multi-layer glazing are excellent at improving thermal efficiency and lowering heat.
If you want energy-efficient window coverings in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact East-West Blinds & Shutters! We’re a family-owned and operated window treatment business, serving Southern Nevada since 1992. Check out our catalog and see which window covering is best for your home!