Save Energy Using Window Shades
Windows can be a major source of energy waste in our homes. One way that you can take advantage of your windows to lower your monthly electric bills is use window shades, blinds, shutters or drapes. No matter what time of year it is, shades can reduce your use of your heating/air conditioning.
Winter/Cold Climates
In colder climates, having shading for your windows can make all the difference. Here are some tips to follow in cold temperatures:
- During the day when the sun is up, keep those shades open to allow as much sunlight in. In particular, windows on the south side of your home bring in more sunlight during the winter. This will help bring the temperature up slightly in your home.
- When the sun goes down, closes the shades to prevent heat from leaving the home.
- Heavier and thermal insulated window drapes and blinds can make a major difference for windows that are not well insulated.
Summer/Warm Climate
Proper shading can also help just as much for your energy bills as in colder temperatures. Here are some tips to follow in warmer temperatures:
- During the hot days, close the shades to keep the hot sun out of your home. If your at work all day, it makes no difference that your home is dark besides helping your energy bills.
- Try using white window shades to reflect the sunlight’s heat from your home.
If you are purchasing new window treatments for your windows, make sure to contact a professional. Also, try to buy them with materials that are environmentally friendly including bamboo and organic fabrics.
Thats pretty neat, I never would have guessed you could help go green by using window shades.
-Jack
We’ve got honeycomb (or cellular) blinds in our drafty living room windows, and they really make a difference. They’re a little more expensive, though, so it’s taking us a while to replace the rest of the blinds.
Bamboo shades are the best. They are renewable.. and plus they are decorative like there is a natural beauty to your windows.
First article I’ve come across about window shades.
A neat idea.
Thats pretty neat, I never would have guessed you could help go green by using window shades.
-Jack
I hadn’t really considered this, but it is a great idea.
This is true regarding window shades and window tints. Window treatments could really do so much for the improvement of your home. window treatments such as window tints could also help you save more money while caring for the environment. While most window films are for reducing solar heat gain in the summer, low-e films both block summer heat and improve winter heat retention. Learn more about window tints at http://www.TintBuyer.com. They provide relevant information about window tints such as its types, quotations and will help you locate the best professional tinter near your area.
Great tips! Another good idea in summer is to shade your outdoor air conditioner. It actually saves 10 percent on your air conditioning bills! For more ways to save energy on your appliances, check out my article and feel free to borrow any tips for your readers! http://bairnecessities.sites.captico.com/2010/06/16/energy-saving-tips-for-summer/