Energy-Efficient Window Coverings to Reduce Your Utility Bills

External and internal temperatures have a significant effect on a property’s ambient temperature. Fitting energy-efficient window coverings can play a major role in reducing utility bills—and the great news is that there’s a wide range of beautiful options to suit every style of décor. 

The key is insulation. Window treatments with insulating properties prevent heat transference through the glass. This works in two ways—it blocks an element of heat (or cold) passing from outside to inside, as well as stopping warm/cool air from escaping.

Understanding Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

• What are the different types of insulating window treatments?
• Can you really reduce energy bills with window treatments? Let’s talk numbers

What are the different types of insulating window treatments?

There are multiple types of window dressings with great insulation properties. Examples include:

• Plantation shutters: Designed from either real wood or solid poly core, the timeless look of slatted plantation shutters suits virtually every style and trend. These can be fashioned to fit virtually any size window or expanse of glass. The slats move up and down to allow as much or as little light and heat transference as you choose.
• Cellular shades: These are created from the fabric of your choice and layered into cells—much like a honeycomb. These pockets of air create a highly efficient barrier against heat movement, preventing a large percentage of energy from moving through the glass. They can be made in either a single or double-cell design, depending on the level of insulation required. 
• Roman shades: With the right choice of material, the classic Roman shade can be an extremely energy-efficient window covering. Choose a fabric with thermal properties and even add a blackout lining to further increase energy efficiency.
• Drapes and blackout curtains: Again, how good these are at preventing heat transference will be down to what they’re made of. Heavy drapes and well-fitting curtains can provide a gorgeously tactile way to help keep interior temperatures comfortable.

Can you really reduce energy bills with window treatments? Let’s talk numbers

The short answer is yes, you really can. Exactly how much will depend on the type of window dressing and—very importantly—how diligently they’re used. The most effective treatments in the world won’t work if you fail to utilize them at the most opportune moments.

For instance, deploying blinds and shutters when the sun is beating straight into the glass can reduce how hot a room becomes by around 33%. Conversely, keeping them shut during chilly temperatures, such as overnight in the winter, will keep the heat where you want it to be—in the room. 

Careful use can have a very real effect on the amount you pay for energy bills. In the summer months, energy-efficient window coverings can reduce reliance on air conditioning. During the winter, they can play a significant role in lowering heating bills.

Of course, you might not want to go full-on blackout mode. If this is the case, there are plenty of options that allow an element of light and/or heat transference yet still have a considerable effect on reducing energy costs.

Don’t Sacrifice Design in the Search for the Best Energy-Efficient Window Coverings. Contact Regency Shade Today…

The art of energy-efficient window coverings is something Regency Shutter & Shade is renowned for. Because we don’t farm our manufacturing out to a third party, we have full control over the entire creative process. From our off-the-shelf designs to unique, bespoke designs tailored to your exact requirements, we lead the way in providing gorgeous window treatments for some of Florida’s best-dressed homes.

Find out more at https://www.regencyshutter.com/ and call today to book your free, no-obligation, at-home design consultation.