3 Energy Efficient Options To Dress Your New Energy Efficient Windows
From hiring a landscape designer or replacing worn carpet to installing eco-friendly plumbing fixtures, choosing where to invest your money can be challenging. Thankfully, many homeowners are seeing the amazing benefits of installing new Energy Star qualified windows.
Not only do new windows improve the look and value of your home, but Energy Star certified windows can drastically reduce heating and cooling costs. Homeowners typically save an estimated $126 to $465 after replacing single-pane windows and $27 to $111 after replacing double-pane windows with Energy Star options.
The energy and financial savings of new windows ensures you are making a smart investment for your home, the environment, and your bank account. However, dressing these windows in energy-efficient treatments will help you conserve even more. Here are a few energy-efficient options to consider when dressing your energy-efficient windows.
Drapes
For a classic look that will stand the test of time, consider installing lined drapes over your windows. Drapes are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials, so you can easily find an option that works with your personality and interior design style.
Opt for a thicker fabric, which offers the perfect amount of insulation between your windows and home interior. Colors and patterns in medium shades will block the sun's heat rays without completely darkening the room.
During the daytime hours of the summer season, these drapes can be closed to reduce the sun's heat and UV rays coming into the room. By reducing this heat gain, your home will remain cooler, reducing the need and cost for air conditioning during the warmer seasons. In the winter, closing the drapes will add a layer of insulation to help reduce heat loss, which decreases heating costs.
Shades
Roman shades are another energy-efficient option that can add style to your new windows. These window coverings have a very simple design. In most cases, they are just pieces of fabric that can be lowered or raised depending on your wants and needs at the time.
Just like drapes, shades are also available in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabric options. For the best protection against heat gain in the summer, make sure to opt for lined, insulated shades that consist of at least 3 layers. Darker fabrics will block out the most sunlight, which is beneficial for the summer season when you are trying to keep your home cool.
Consider motorized shades, which open and close automatically. Set a timer to close your shades during the daytime hours to help with cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter.
Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are also an excellent investment for your home. Not only do these window treatments provide privacy and appeal, but they are also of increasing your home's total value while conserving energy.
When your shutters are closed, less heat will enter your home through your energy-efficient windows in the summer. This reduces your air conditioning costs. In the colder seasons when you are heating your home, plantation shutters help insulate your home to help keep your home warmer.
Plantation shutters are available in a variety of styles and colors. Opt for a classic white shutter that will always be in style. Or, choose shutters in a darker wood tone, which helps prevent heat gain and loss through your windows even further.
Energy-efficient windows are one of the best investments you can make for your home and bank account. By dressing these new windows in energy-efficient treatments, your investment will be even more beneficial. From lined drapes and beautiful shades to wood or faux wood shutters, dressing your windows in style and efficiency will be simple. Contact companies like Danmer Custom Window Coverings to learn more about your options.