Heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter will strain your indoor heating and/or cooling system which will require more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the heat that either escapes or enters windows accounts for roughly 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool homes. Just making small energy efficiency upgrades can help cut your energy bills by as much as 20 or 30 percent. In short, saving energy saves you money. By simply adding any of these four window treatments in your home, you can effectively increase your energy efficiency while cutting down the costs of your energy bills.
Curtains
Adding more than just decorative touch to your home, curtains can help regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency in your home. There are curtains that come with UV lining which can keep your home cool in even the hottest weather or thermal backings that help reduce the amount of heat lost in the cooler months.
Blinds
Blinds is a type of window covering composed of vertical or horizontal slats that are connected by cords. They can be closed or opened by twisting a rod or by pulling a cord loop to stack or unstack them together. Blinds keep direct sunlight out of your home and reduce heat gain by around 45 percent when they are completely closed and they also allow heat to come into your home to warm up the indoor air when completely open during the colder months. Knowing the best times to open or close your blinds is key in saving energy.
Awnings
Awnings, also known as overhangs, are supplemental covers attached to the exterior of the wall to provide shade over windows. Strategically placed awnings offer protection from the sun's heat and glare which can help reduce your air-conditioner usage by up to 20 percent. These can be stationary or retractable and manually-operated or automatic. Though awnings are mainly functional, they can also add a decorative appeal to your home.
Window Films
Window films are cost-effective window treatments that can help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Installing window films is so easy. With just a little care and patience, you can even do it by yourself and it will take you only a few minutes.
