If you are wanting to save energy, reduce your energy costs, have a warm cosy home in winter and a cool home in summer, plus some attractive modern window treatments, then the right kind of window shades could be the answer you’ve been searching for.
When it comes to heat loss in the home, windows account for 10% of those losses. But in colder parts of the USA, windows can be responsible for between 15% to 35% of home heat losses.
In warmer climates, too much heat entering the home through windows is the problem. Cooling down a home in a hot climate can cost just as much as heating a home in a hot climate.
Window Insulation Solutions
There are many ways to insulate windows. Some options are easy, and some are complex, some are cheap, and some are expensive, some look so good they add value to the property, and some can do the exact opposite!
Bubble Wrap
The cheapest, quickest, and ugliest method of insulating windows is to use bubble wrap packing material. You just use a spray bottle of water to wet the window and place the bubble wrap on the window. It will usually remain stuck in the window for several months.
As well as looking ugly, it destroys your view. Maybe a good option for a room that is not regularly used as a storage room, or if the only view is something like a brick wall.
Plastic Insulating Film
These are also inexpensive, and kits can be bought from most hardware stores. They’re easy to install and all you require is a knife, some scissors, and a hairdryer.
Double Glazed Windows
These reduce the passage of cold air into the home and prevent condensation due to the reduction in airflow. The heat from the sun will still enter the home so you need special ultraviolet (UV) light-blocking window coating or tinting added to the windows. However, this is perhaps the most expensive option, so take care to choose the best window installation company for your needs.
Interior Shades
These can be added to existing windows to improve energy efficiency, reduce glare, supply privacy, and enhance the appearance and comfort of your home.
Insulated cellular shades are made of pleated materials that are designed to fold up, like an accordion, at the top of the window. Insulated shades hold one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections function as insulators.
These are a good choice for significant energy savings, as well as comfort, privacy, and increased home resale value.
In cold weather, tightly installed cellular shades reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings. In hot weather, cellular shades reduce heat through windows by up to 60%.
You can even get cellular shades with the option to include automation. This allows the blinds to open and close at set times. You can change the timing each season to reduce heating and cooling loads while maximizing natural light and home comfort.
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