Energy Efficient Window Blinds

With the several environmental issues, people are becoming more aware of preserving nature and measures taken to ensure a sustainable economy. It has also been applied to window coverings whereby manufacturers use sustainable materials to manufacture window blinds. Window coverings can increase energy efficiency and save a few pennies on electricity bills.

Interior and Exterior Blinds

Blinds have openings between the slats, making it possible to control the heat and light entering them. During the bright summer days, these can be kept completely closed and lowered to reduce the amount of heat entering them, and this has been proven to provide up to 45% ventilation to the house. Reflective materials can be used for blinds to improve efficiency.

The ventilation provided by the exterior shades is comparatively lower than the internal blinds, as there are routes for heat entry through the open sides. 

Insulated Shades

Towards the goal of energy efficiency, traditional insulated window panels have now been replaced with insulated Roman blinds. The manufacturers are now allowing the customers to pick insulated shades which add a layer to the style chosen by you without affecting the core design of the window covering. 

Sheer Shades

It works similarly to the sheer drapes added to cloth curtains. They protect against the sun's intense heat and keep the house from heating up. With reduced house heating, air conditioning costs can be reduced significantly during the summers. Features of Sheer Shades:

1. Filters UV light and prevents its entry.

2. Diffuses light and allows only the desired amount of light and heat to enter the room. 

3. Available in a wide range of colors and materials. 

4. They can also be added to the porch or patio area to reduce light entry. 

5. They can be motorized. 

Honeycomb Shades

These are the most energy-efficient of all window blinds available in the market. Typical blackout designs are available to keep the house intensely protected from the sun. They are also available with other energy-efficient options like light filtering and room darkening. Newer models even have those with an insulation coating which allows the blinds to retain the heat in the interior during winter and prevent heat from entering the window during the summer.

Proper Usage of Blinds for Energy Efficiency

The blinds can be used differently in different seasons to ensure that they provide the desired result. The blinds should be able to block out the sun during the summer and keep the house cool, and they should be able to provide heat and retain it during the harsh winters. This can reduce the usage of air conditioners in summer and heaters in winter. Despite the energy saving factor, you will also be happy to know that they can help you reduce energy costs. During winters, the blinds that cover the south side of the house can be placed open to let heat inside the house, and during summers, all the screens should be kept closed to prevent heat entry. You can keep the blinds closed at night to avoid heat loss during the cold winters. 

Windows cover only a tiny area of the house compared to the walls and doors. But with an open window, you may risk letting in ten times as much heat into the room compared to the same area of a wall. By adequately planning for the winters and summers with window treatments, you can enjoy some free heating and cooling during the summers and save a good deal on power consumption bills.