Mid-Atlantic winters can be finicky with bone chilling winds followed by mild temperatures. Pairing the right window treatment with your energy efficient windows can help you keep the temperature inside your home comfortable no matter who’s nipping at your nose.
An average home loses about 30 percent of its home heating energy right out the window, according to the United States Department of Energy. Fixing leaky, ill-fitting windows with replacement windows is the best way to make your home energy efficient. Window treatments are a great way to bring color, trend and privacy to your home but they can result in energy savings too.
There are several options when it comes to interior window treatments.
Here’s a look at windows coverings that help prevent heat loss.
Curtains
When drawn during cold weather, most typical floor-length draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 percent, according to the DOE. Closing drapes at night helps in that heat containment.
You can make your conventional drapes energy efficient by making sure the curtains are snug to the wall on all sides. Experts recommend using velcro or another type of fastener to attach them to the wall. You can also install the curtain rods flush against the wall to prevent air from entering behind the top of the curtain. These two changes can cut heat loss by up to 25 percent.
When choosing a curtain fabric, look for a tight weave which does a better job of restricting air flow.
You can also add a blackout curtain behind your primary curtain during the winter using a temporary rod. The blackout curtain adds a layer of insulation and can easily be removed in the summer.
Blinds
If you are thinking of using blinds to help with energy costs, make sure to selected honeycomb or cellular structure blinds. Their design creates insulating pockets of air when the blinds are open. Honeycomb styles come in double and triple versions with a reflective backing for maximum heat loss prevention.
According to the DOE, cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40 percent or more which can mean a 20 percent savings on your heating bill.
Roller or Roman Shades
A great way to use fabric in a room but not the best choice when it comes to preventing heat loss. These decorative shades do the job to help you darken your room or add a pop of color, but their design doesn’t fit tightly enough against the window to do much in terms of containing heat in the room.
If you can mount shades tighter to the frame, use a box frame valance and seal the edges using side track you can up the energy saving effectiveness of shades.
Another trick you can use with shades it to have them made with dual layers of fabrics; one side with a light-colored fabric and the other side with a darker one. Reverse the shades depending on the season with the light one on showing in the summer to reflect the light and the dark one showing in winter to absorb the heat.
Sunny side up
No matter what type of window coverings you choose, opening them up during sunny days can have a warming effect even when the temperature outside says otherwise! Keep them closed to keep the heat in unless there is direct sunlight shining on that part of the home.
Replacing drafty, ill-fitting and broken windows with energy efficient replacement windows is the best way to save money on your heating bill this winter. At Thompson Creek our replacement windows and doors exceed Energy Star guidelines and because we design, build and install them in your home there is no middleman. Call for a free quote today!