If you’re trying to save money on energy costs in your Stamford home, dressing your windows differently is a great place to start. If you’re on a budget, buying energy-efficient window treatments in Stamford is a low-cost alternative to installing expensive high-efficiency windows. In fact, the right interior window treatments can reduce heat gain and loss in your home by as much as 45%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Below are a few types of window treatments that can significantly lower your utility bills.
Draperies
When it comes to energy-efficiency, draperies are a much better treatment for your windows than curtains. What’s the difference? Unlike curtains, draperies are lined to help with insulation and are usually constructed of thick, heavy-duty fabrics like velvet or brocade. Because of this, they do a very good job of keeping heat out of your home – and they’re relatively inexpensive. Look for closed-weave draperies in a dark color that feature white-plastic backings to jump-start your energy savings. Want to do more? Choose draperies that start at the ceiling, fall all the way to the floor and feature heavy pleating or thick folds.
Roller Shutters
Extreme cold and harsh winter storms are a concern in Stamford, and you should take this into consideration when choosing window treatments if you want the best energy savings possible. For New England weather patterns, EfficientWindowCoverings.org recommends using roller shutters. Not only do they provide protection against the sun’s heat in the summer, but they also dramatically reduce heat loss in the winter – even during severe storms. Choose roller shutters that are heavily insulated for the greatest efficiency.
Cellular Shades
Also called honeycomb shades, cellular shades are another good choice if you want to control heat and cold transfer. These shades feature two or three layers of “cells” that trap air and render it ineffective at transferring heat. The most important thing to look for with these shades is a high R-value. The R-value is a measure of a material’s ability to prevent heat loss. For cellular shades, an R-value of 5 is considered top-of-the-line.
Changing your window treatments in Stamford is an easy first step to an energy-efficient home. With a few simple changes, you can drastically reduce your energy costs without having to replace your windows. Stop by Dominic’s Decorating or visit website to find a variety of attractive window treatment options.
