Simple Window Treatment Ideas

With the ever-increasing energy bills, choosing the right replacement windows Los Angeles, CA, and window treatments can significantly lower your heating and cooling costs. We have listed some simple window treatment options that anyone can apply for energy efficiency.

1. Blinds

While blinds are known for their convenience and ease of use, they can also help you beat the summer heat. All you need to do is adjust the slats to control the amount of light and ventilation you let into a room.

Note that blinds made of highly reflective materials can slash solar heat gain by 45% when completely lowered and closed. But not all blinds serve the same purpose. If you want to reduce solar heat gain, look for light-colored blinds that give you the most control over blocking sunlight. Light-colored blinds reflect rather than absorb heat.

2. Curtains and Drapes

Drapes and curtain offer a convenient way to reduce heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter.

Don’t know how?

In summer, you need to choose the opaque options with a white backing or lining that can reduce heat gain significantly. Make sure to keep lined curtains closed on west-facing windows to help keep your home cool on hot, sunny days.

While during the winter, the same type of curtain, when closed, can reduce heat loss in a warm room. Keep your curtains open to boost solar heat gain; then close them at night to prevent heat loss. Another simple tip on reducing heat loss during the winter is to place your opaque curtains close to the window (an inch is best) and then seal them.

3. Cellular or Roman Shades

These types of window treatments can be very effective energy savers in both summer and winter. So long as you keep them down.

Generally, cellular shade fabric is constructed into honeycomb-shaped cells that boost insulation and UV protection. They come in three grades: single, double, and triple cells, all serving specific functions. Let’s take a look:

• Triple cell shades are usually the most energy-efficient, making them a good choice for extreme temperatures.
• Dual shade systems have a highly reflective side to reduce solar gain and a dark-colored side that absorbs heat on cold days.
• A basic Roman shade can reduce solar heat gain during the summer if it’s made out of fabric. Any reflective material fabric reflects or blocks light when fully closed.

Similarly, insulated Roman shades are ideal for retaining heat during the winter. They’re typically made of four or more layers of material, including a decorative fabric that faces your room. In addition, they include a liner that faces your window and a few layers of insulation fabric in the middle.

Important Tip

While you’re at it, make sure your windows are not drafty. Else, they negate the very purpose of any window treatment you choose for energy efficiency.

Not many people know a simple fact that the drafty windows drift out around 25% of your heating and cooling costs annually. Sealing energy-robbing air leaks is your first step toward saving money. Adding the right replacement windows Los Angeles, CA, and window treatments afterward will further boost your home’s energy efficiency.