Summer is here, and with it comes the intense heat. While the sunshine can enhance our moods and lift our spirits, the heat can overwhelm us. Have you found yourself searching for the best energy efficient window coverings? Let’s explore what’s out there…
Which Benefits Sound Good?
When homeowners think of the best energy efficient options for their homes, installing new windows can quickly come to mind. But, on top of being an expensive solution, the sunshine can still enter, causing uncomfortable glare and rising temperatures. With window shades, blinds, shutters or drapery, you can extend the benefits, in addition to keeping out the heat:
- Better sleep with room darkening
- Adjustable privacy
- Reduced glare
- Coordinated style with the design of your home
- Compatible with smart home technology
- Invite natural light without heat
The Features of Energy Efficient Window Coverings
With advancements in technology and the innovations of the window covering industry, today’s options offer amazing features. Greatly increase the comfort, safety, convenience and efficiency of your home in a snap.
Automation: Smart shades integrate with your smart home technology, for scheduled adjustments or voice command movement in an instant.
Dual Shades: Two shades on the same window for soft lighting & light blocking options.
Top Down: The top of the shade lowers enough to let in light, while the majority of the window is blocked.
Tricky Windows: Tilt & Turn windows, specialty shaped windows or glass doors can feature custom coverings to insulate your home
How Do They Work?
There are a few factors that go into ensuring the best energy efficient window coverings do what they are supposed to do.
Insulating Design
The insulating design of shades was developed to stop air flow, which can lead to significant energy loss at the window. Cellular shades have been known for years to stop the heat at the window.
Innovative Techniques
Interior window channels, that guide the shades, are another way of reducing light gaps and air flow for greater efficiency.
Crafted for Excellence
Modern day materials are created with UV protection in mind. Even shades you can see through are capable of blocking a majority of damaging rays. The opacity of the fabrics you choose can have a great effect on energy efficiency. This is especially true on the windows that directly face the sun. Innovation has also lead to the improvement in the quality of materials. Exclusive finishes prevent the breakdown of your window coverings over time.
Smart Home Technology
People are creatures of habit. Many homeowners do not take the time to adjust their shades on a daily basis. That means that there is a lot of potential in their homes than they are getting to experience. Until now. By adjusting automatically, smart home automation enhances the energy efficiency of your home. Block the heat from entering when it starts to warm up outside. Or, watch them adjust on schedule for those windows that face the sun. Let in the right amount of light for daylighting, but close off the rest of the window to the elements.
What Are the Best Energy Efficient Window Coverings?
Need a convenient list of window treatments that block the sun and prevent energy loss? Visit our energy efficient solutions page, solving common issues, no matter the season.
1. Honeycomb Shades
The cell-within-a-cell technology of our honeycomb shades will trap air, preventing energy loss. That means your home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Hunter Douglas offers a range of cellular options to protect your home. Decisions are based on your home’s specific climate and the placement of the window in relation to the sun.
2. Roman Shades
The design of roman shades naturally prevents the movement of air, with layers of fabric at the window. By choosing certain fabrics and their opacities, you can experience incredible control at the window.
3. Roller Shades
Innovative design has led to light-blocking technology. Roller shades are capable of blocking heat that enters the home to damage your furnishings and raise the temperature. With the latest innovation, Hunter Douglas combined two favorites. The Sonnette™ collection brings the sought-after efficiency of cellular shades to the simple operation of roller shades.
4. Draperies
High quality fabrics insulate the windows of your home with light-blocking capabilities. Draperies can frame the window for beautiful design, closing when necessary. Today’s draperies can be motorized to harness incredible control over your home’s interiors.
5. Plantation Shutters
From solid wood, to advanced materials, interior shutters have long been known to stop energy from moving. Sealing the window frame, light and heat are prevented from entering. They are an effective way to prevent energy loss. Simply adjust the louvers in an upward position. Light enters, directed at the ceiling, illuminating the space without harsh sunshine and heat entering.
Will your home be under attack from the sun this summer? If you’re facing harsh UV rays and the intense heat of summer, we would love to help! Our team at Creative Blinds has years of experience guiding Houston area homeowners. We would love to help you select the best energy efficient window products for your home. Get in touch for your FREE consultation.
