Using energy-efficient window treatments can enhance the look and feel of any room, and if you select the right kind and size, you’ll also benefit from energy savings. Unless your windows are highly efficient, it’s likely you have significant thermal losses in both summer and winter through the glass.
Heat is constantly seeking out cooler temperatures. In the summer, it’s constantly moving into your home and in the winter, making its way out. Shade screens help your home stay comfortable, but when you’re looking for a design element, these window treatments will help your home stay more comfortable:
- Thermal and/or blackout drapes – When choosing fabric window coverings, look for pleated drapes or full curtains that are either lined or tightly woven. Many colors and designs are available, and they provide the best thermal protection if they reach the floor and have a cornice on top to stop the heated air from passing into or out of your home.
- Thermal shades – These are available as insulated shades, like Roman shades or cellular shades. Like draperies, there’s a wide selection of styles and colors. The air mass in the case of cellular shades traps air between the glass and your interior, and they provide decorative energy-efficient window treatments. Those made from lighter fabrics filter light through them, reducing the need for daytime lighting that creates heat indoors, especially if you still use incandescent lighting.
- Insulating window panels – If you don’t want to cover the windows, opt for insulating window panels. These are inserts installed from inside and made from clear materials. They won’t stop heat from sunshine but will cut back on thermal heat transfer, much the same way exterior storm windows do. These panels also stop many of the drafts coming from the frames of the windows, as well, as long as the panels fit tightly.
While energy-efficient window coverings help cut conditioning costs, you’ll get additional benefits from maintaining your HVAC system, something the pros at Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you do. We’ve provided HVAC services for Mobile and Baldwin County since 1964.
