There are a variety of ways to lessen your energy bills. You can have solar panels installed or acclimate yourself to a much lower thermostat setting. An easier way to lower your energy bills may be just changing up your window coverings. A simple installation and proper use of window blinds can easily save a person hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. There are many types of shades and blinds that can help you reduce your costs and freshen up the look of your windows as well.
Cellular Shades
According to the U.S Department of Energy, “In heating seasons, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, equating to about 10% heating energy savings. In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 60%, reducing the total solar gain to 20% when installed with a tight fit.”
Cellular shades are known not only for their sleek look and light control but also for their insulation abilities. Their soft fabric can be layered for greater insulation properties.
Cellular shades feature a honeycomb construction, which traps hot and cold air inside. When raised, the cellular shades form a nice, neat stack allowing for a full view through your windows when the shades are not needed.
Solar Shades
Solar shades have their power in their reflection abilities. Solar shades can reflect up to 95% of the sun’s glare, heat, and even UV rays. This ability to deflect heat can save homeowners up to 15% off their energy costs, even more in sunnier parts of the country like Florida.
Solar shades allow light to come through at different levels, and people can often still see out the window while deploying the solar shade.
Solar shades are thin and stylish and can transform the look of a room while still saving the homeowner money.
Roller Shades
Roller shades aren’t fancy or frilly, but they provide a modern design and added energy saving capabilities. These shades come in a myriad of colors and fabrics to fit any decor. They also range in light filtering ability, from a slight filter to complete blackout.
Roller shades do an excellent job filtering out harmful UV rays and sunlight glare on the energy front. They can help one save on their heating and cooling bills and give a homeowner control over light filtering and window views.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are another option if you’re looking for energy saving window coverings. They are often made of thick, insulating materials that provide the utmost energy efficiency for your home. This dense material makes roman shades a great choice if you want to block out heat and save on air conditioning costs. Some people add a thermal backing to their roman shades to increase their energy savings.
With costs on everything from gas to groceries steadily rising, people are looking to save money wherever they can. By integrating energy saving window coverings into your home’s decor, you can save big while still enjoying a beautiful view, inside or out.
Kyle Cox started the first custom window treatments website in 1999 with no experience in the product, ecommerce, or business ownership. After growing that business to well over $50MM in revenue, he sold the company. Five years later, he ventured back into the industry to found Blindster, now one of the largest online retailers for custom window treatments. Blindster, a family-owned company out of Houston, offers high-quality custom blinds, shades, and shutters, with a dedication to outstanding customer service.
