Energy Efficient Blinds Save Money On Energy Bills
Energy efficient blinds are obviously the most efficient way to protect your home from
heat loss. According to Hunter Douglas, who specializes in energy efficient window shades, almost any
covering will reduce heat loss by 2x.
With that being said, all blinds are not necessarily the same. For example aluminum
blinds can’t possibly save you as much on energy costs as blinds specifically designed to alleviate heat
loss. Although cheap blinds like these are not designed to be eco-friendly but are better than
nothing.
Twenty or so years ago, mini blinds were all the rage, since they were essentially the
only solution on the market. These have been replaced with cost effective and more efficient blinds that boast
savings upwards of 30%. The wise choice is to simply replace those black mini blinds, since being black does
not mean they offer maximum efficiency. Here are some initial steps to consider before changing out the old
technology for the newer more efficient options.
1.Windows with a southern exposure can keep the home warm during winter months. If you have blinds at these windows
then they should be opened to allow sunlight inside the home.
2.There has always been confusion as to whether you turn the blinds up or down. To
maximize efficiency turn the blinds up at night. This prevents heat loss and provides more insulation from
cold which naturally tries to enter in the winter months when the temperature is a bit lower than daytime
temperatures.
3.Insulating windows for the winter is an inexpensive yet sound tactic to keep air from
leaking out or entering. You could randomly caulk the edges of all windows since there are specialty products
on the market for doing this. However, a more efficient way is to slowly move a lit candle around the
edge. The flicker indicated there is a leak, which you can easily seal.
4.When the weather is warmer outside during summer months it is best to keep all blinds
closed. The sun can raise the temperature around a window as much as 10-15 degrees depending on east or west
exposure. Even if you have hung energy efficient curtains, it is best to keep those closed as well.
Using just these tips alone, you should see your energy bill reduced. And small
savings here and there can represent significant savings when added up over the entire year.
Companies like Hunter Douglas, specialize in making energy efficient blinds with
measurable cost savings. They are not the most inexpensive solution but you can locate discount hunter
douglas blinds which offer the same superior energy efficiency although they be last season’s most popular
brands. We tend to keep our hunterdouglas blinds for many years so this should not dissuade you if the goal
is to save money.
Hunter Douglas energy-efficient curtains, blinds and window treatments are among the best
available on the market. Consider the insulation of energy efficient blinds with cellular designs, or solar
heat control coverings and daylighting technology, which have been measured and documented to save upwards of 50
percent of a home’s cooling and heating energy resultant from losses through windows alone.
The term “wind holes” is commonly used in the industry to describe windows because they
are most susceptible to energy loss in the home. Energy efficient blinds and shades are a must for any
homeowner serious about saving money n energy costs. So remember these three technologies as you consider
replacing your current window covers. They are daylighting, using the sun’s rays to your advantage, solar
heat control using specialized materials and windows insulation.
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