Everyone would like to conserve energy in the home, either to lower utility bills or to help the environment. But the goal of energy conservation often has a bad connotation for home design.
Green renovations don’t have a good reputation as attractive factors in home décor. Because of that, many homeowners aren’t aware that there are trendy ways to conserve energy while inhabiting a lovely home.
Window treatments are among the green-home innovations that have the greatest impact. There are many options for chic and trendy window treatments that are also considerate of the environment.
Made-to-Order Blinds
Any blinds that block exterior light and trap air inside your home will lower your power bill. But made-to-order blinds can be far more effective. They’ll fit your windows perfectly and leave no cracks where light can filter through or air may escape.
If you want to take your energy-conserving window treatments a step further, investigate the virtues of highly reflective made-to-order blinds. These reflect light on the outside to reduce heat gain in the summer by up to 45 percent.
Outdoor and Indoor Shutters
Window shutters can be installed on either the interior or exterior of a home. Not only are they extremely popular in home design today, but they’re also among the most eco-friendly window treatments on the market.
They create weather protection, added security, and a reduced risk of thermal shock to your windows during extreme temperatures. Window shutters come in a variety of materials, and they can be mechanically installed according to your specifications. Your overall heating and cooling costs could plummet by 25 to 50 percent.
Shades
A variety of window shades have the potential to make any residence feel homey and beautiful. They’re also the simplest of eco-friendly window treatments. Whether you choose honeycomb, quilted roller, pleated, cellular, or designer shades, they can save you up to 50 percent on heating and cooling costs.
The best shades for energy efficiency are white on the back side because they’re reflective. It’s also best to use shades with multiple cells, because that traps air indoors where it belongs.
Floor-to-Ceiling Blackout Curtains
Curtains are among the most popular window treatments. They’re easy to install, affordable, and can easily match your interior design theme.
If you’re also looking for eco-friendly window treatments, blackout curtains are the best. They trap air inside and prevent outdoor heat and cold from seeping into the room.
Drapes that run floor to ceiling are especially trendy these days. They create the illusion of added height, and are also helpful in the utilities department, since drapes do a better job of separating your home from external elements.
Awnings
Window awnings can make a charming addition to your home’s exterior. They can be made from metal, canvas, or synthetic fibers that are water-repellent and weather resistant.
When properly installed, they provide a comfortable covering for your flower boxes and limit the amount of heat that penetrates your home. In the summer, window awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on windows that face south and 77 percent on windows facing west.
High-Reflectivity Films
If you love your window trimmings and don’t wish to add anything to them, you can have a nearly invisible addition applied to the window glass. High-reflectivity films are placed directly on the window as a glaze or protective sheet to block the sun’s rays in the summer and trap indoor heat in the winter.
Roof Overhangs
A roof overhang extends a few feet upward from where your roof normally ends. Overhangs, such as awnings, can add country charm to your home while shading your porches and windows.
Overhangs can be a little tricky and expensive to install on an existing structure, so it’s worthwhile to select a reputable contractor for this. You can potentially save up to 65 percent on your heating and cooling costs with one of these.
Eco-friendly additions don’t have to be unattractive. Many modern window treatments can add an element of luxury and charm to your home while saving money in the long run.
