Installing window treatments in your home not only adds a decorative element, but they are also a great way to save energy and reduce the cost of your heating and cooling bills. Learn how carefully selecting your drapes, blinds, shades, shutters and awnings can help improve the performance of your AC.
Drapes
Drapes are often the most decorative window treatment you can choose; fabric type and color choice determine how well they reduce heat gain in your home. Choose an outward-facing light-colored material with a shiny backing to block out heat and keep your home cool. To maximize efficiency, drapes should be sealed all around, touch the ground, and overlap the center when closed.
Shades/Blinds
The sun is your AC bill’s biggest enemy; combat this by installing vertical or horizontal slat-type blinds, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of light and heat that enters your home. Shades are like fully drawn blinds; although they insulate your home better in the summer and winter, they have no slats which restricts your lighting control.
Shutters
Aside from adding to the overall charm of your home, interior and exterior shutters reduce heat loss and gain during the summer and winter. There are fewer gaps due to their tight-fit, providing shade in the summer by blocking out sunlight while allowing ventilation through open windows. During the winter, they create an air barrier, increasing your window’s insulating abilities
Awnings
Awnings provide energy saving shade while sprucing up the exterior of your home. They block up to 77% of heat on windows that receive direct sunlight; installing them on south and west facing windows can make a huge difference in your energy bill. Choose retractable or removable designs for easy removal during the winter when you need all the sunlight you can get!
Looking for more ways to stretch your climate control dollar, or have more questions? Call 72 Degrees Comfort Company at 515-965-7272 or email us at office@72degrees.com