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5 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill This Winter With the Right Type of Window Treatments

Posted by admin on November 18, 2022

In Northeast, as well the rest of the North, the winters can be quite chilly, which is why so many people choose to stay inside throughout the chilly months of the year. Almost all contemporary structures have built-in insulation and temperature control features. While this does improve our internal climate, it is insufficient. Even buildings with the highest insulation eventually experience heat loss from their windows.

This is due to the fact that glass is a poor insulator. It is more difficult to effectively maintain the temperature of our interiors when energy is lost through our windows. Fortunately, winter window covering options provide us a practical and fashionable approach to improve the energy efficiency of our climate control.

The globe around, window coverings are highly popular. They enable you to improve the functioning of your windows as well as their appearance and feel. Window coverings enhance the functionality of your windows by keeping the cold out and the heat in.

We’ll concentrate on how window coverings can insulate your windows and aid in keeping the cold out throughout the winter in this post.

ARE SOLUTIONS FOR COVERING WINDOW IN THE WINTER EFFECTIVE?

Yes, they can; window treatments considerably increase the insulation of your windows. They accomplish this by securing a layer of air between the fabric of your window and its glass. The degree to which different window covering types can insulate varies. The most effective window coverings for insulation can significantly reduce your energy costs.

The best window coverings to block the cold

There are numerous sizes and shapes for window coverings. They all possess various aesthetic qualities as well as various levels of utility. Certain window treatments insulate windows better than others. These are the window coverings you need if you’re searching for choices to keep the cold out. Let’s look at some of the greatest window treatments for blocking the cold.

Mobile Shades

One of the best window covering solutions during winter is cellular shading. They can produce numerous air gaps between your window and your room thanks to their design. While cellular shades are an excellent window covering for keeping the cold out, their aesthetics are a drawback. They aren’t the most attractive window treatments available and blending them into the rest of your interior design might be challenging.

Roman Blinds

Roman shades significantly improve the insulation in your home while also enhancing the aesthetic and feel of your room. Due to the fact that they are constructed from a single fabric, they are effective in providing insulation. They don’t leave any spaces between your windows and room. Roman shades with insulation are the ideal window treatments for keeping the cold out of rooms with larger windows since they are constructed of heavier fabric.

Thermal Window Coverings

The best way to insulate your windows is generally not with window shades. They have spaces in between every slat, unlike blinds and drapes. These flaws prevent them from serving as a respectable window covering solution. This does not, however, imply that you should never use window coverings. If blinds are what you’re after, insulated window blinds are available. Thermal fabric is used to create insulated window blinds, which are created with narrower gaps between the slats. They often have tight-knit structures and broader slats. The finest blinds for cold weather are thermal blinds, which are created from special materials.

BLINDS VS. SHADES FOR COVERING WINTER WINDOW

Many people compare shades and blinds when deciding on window covering solutions to keep the cold out. In terms of insulation, each style of window covering has advantages and disadvantages.

Shades are often thought to be the greatest window coverings for blocking out the cold. This is because window treatments block fewer openings for heat to escape through. The quantity of gaps between your window and your window treatment is one factor in determining the quality of your insulation, but it’s not the only one. Additionally, you should think about the kind of material utilized and how your window covering was put.

Additionally, insulated window coverings can be effective at blocking the cold. Insulated window coverings are made to fit snugly against your windows, which significantly enhances their insulating capacity. In some cases, blinds that are designed for cold climates can outperform shades.

What winter window covering best suits you?

You must always strike the ideal balance between design and utility when choosing a window treatment for your windows. Window treatments can significantly alter how your room appears and feels.

Insulation should remain the top concern for anyone looking for the best window coverings to block the cold. Thankfully, you may always ask your window treatment provider for guidance. You can choose the best blinds and shades for chilly weather with their assistance.

We hope that our post about winter window coverings has given you more knowledge about the top insulating window coverings. You can always contact our team for more details if you’re still unclear. You can get assistance from Alluring Windows in choosing the most insulating window coverings for your windows. You may rely on our team to assist you in striking the ideal mix between fashion and utility.

ABOUT US:

Better Blinds in Ocean View & Millsboro DE:

Better Blinds has locations in Ocean View & Millsboro and is a proud neighbor of all the communities in Sussex County, DE

We have been serving Sussex County residents for years and looking forward to providing their window treatment, blinds, shades and shutters needs for many years to come.

Why Choose “Better Blinds” of Ocean View & Millsboro, DE to ensure a Better Experience for Homeowners?

Offering the highest quality window coverings at an affordable price, along with Free installation and a 100% guarantee, has made us one of the best window treatment installers in Sussex County with many satisfied clients.

Available to you is a complete line of high-quality blinds, roller shades, sheer shades, layered shades, romans, sliding panels, and interior shutters, all installed by certified professionals that will arrive on time and complete the job as promised.

Flexible payment options including all major credit cards and 0% financing to qualified buyers. Call us today to schedule a Free in-home consultation.

“We sell and install high quality Blinds, Shades, and Plantation Shutters for your residential home. We have been selling and installing custom window treatments for over 10 years. We are locally owned and operated and serve the Ocean view, DE and surrounding areas.”

“We carry world leading brands and offer free in-home consultations. We pride ourselves on being punctual and dependable. Most products are installed within 4 weeks. Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call or text us to arrange a free in-home consultation!”

Window Treatment Products Include:

Roller Shades | Soluna Cordless Precision Lift
Solar Shades | Soluna Cordless Precision Lift
Perfect Drape
Plantation Shutters | Invisible Tilt
Sliding Panels
Natural Shades
Honeycomb Shades | Cordless TDBU
Cordless Faux Wood Blinds

Locations served:

Frankford
Selbyville
Dagsboro
Fenwick Island
Ocean View
Bethany Beach
South Bethany
Millville
Millsboro
Lewes
Rehoboth Beach
Long Neck
Harbeson
Milton
Georgetown

Better Blinds & Shades offers world leading brands and free in-home consultations. We pride ourselves on being punctual and dependable. Most products are installed within 2 weeks.

Give us the opportunity to earn your business. Call or text us to arrange a free in-home consultation!

Or visit our website for more information & great window treatment ideas

Better Blinds & Shades
Ocean View, DE 19970
(302) 402-6180

Better Blinds & Shades
Millsboro, DE 19966
240-440-1220
https://betterblindsshades.com

Resources:

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Reviews: https://g.page/better-blinds-de/review?rc
Ocean View Location Map: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3543074099480450270
Millsboro Location Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1SarbbV8qDMa_YsyHnJJdMwpfzt-Z7Zbz&usp=sharing
G Site: https://sites.google.com/view/betterblindsshades
GBP: https://better-blinds-shades.business.site

Ocean View Location

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Header Better Blinds Shades window treatments energy efficient winter Better Blinds Ocean View Millsboro

Save Money This Winter with Energy-Efficient Window Treatments: PART 3

Posted by admin on November 4, 2022

Click Here for Part 2

WINDOW FILMS

Window films (applied to the glazing surface) help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure. They are best used in climates with long cooling seasons, because they also block the sun’s heat in the winter.

They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain. They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure.

Films typically have three layers: an adhesive layer that sits against the glass, a polyester film layer, and a scratch-resistant coating. You may also choose options such as tints, UV blockers, or thicker films that offer security. Low-e films are also emerging as an energy-saving option.

Window films are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), which also created window labeling and ratings for consumers. The NFRC’s Window Film Energy Performance Label looks like this:

A) Rated by NFRC.

B) Manufacturer and product name.

C) Details on NFRC rating procedures.

D) Reference Product column shows what type of glazing works best with the film.

E) Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

F) Visible Transmittance (VT).

It includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT) of the window film, both numbers between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at blocking heat gain. The higher the VT, the more potential for daylighting. Read more about energy performance ratings.

The effectiveness of these reflective films depends on:

Size of window glazing area
Window orientation
Climate
Building orientation
Whether the window has interior insulation.

Silver, mirror-like films typically are more effective than the colored, more transparent ones. More recently, there are solar control films that have a more neutral appearance and are effective at blocking near IR solar radiation in the summer. East- and west-facing windows, because of their greater potential for heat gain, can benefit more from these films. North-facing windows won’t benefit from them, and south-facing windows may benefit somewhat, but the benefit could be offset by the reduction of heat from the winter sun. There are also window films that have low-e coatings, which can also be effective in reducing winter heat loss and increasing thermal comfort of occupants. They also typically are effective at reducing near IR solar radiation.

Window films can be professionally applied by a skilled installer or are available for do-it-yourself projects at home improvement stores.

Window films require extra care for cleaning. If they are primarily absorbing solar radiation (tinted films), they can damage insulated glazing unit (IGU) seals. Most window manufacturers will void their warranties if the film is installed on an IGU.

Read more about window films at the Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative.

Exterior Window Treatments

EXTERIOR SHUTTERS AND SHADES

Body image Better Blinds Shades window treatments energy efficient winter blinds shades shutters Ocean View Millsboro

Exterior shutters and shades are usually made of a variety of materials, including fabric, wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl. They are most effective at reducing solar heat gain.

Shades are typically fabric or vinyl and the material may have openings that allow some visibility through the window. The larger the openings, the less protection from solar gain. They are usually manually operated, though some can be opened or closed with a crank inside the home.

Roller shutters are usually mounted above the window and side channels guide them as they’re lowered and raised. When you lower these blinds completely, their slats meet and provide shade, privacy, security, and protection from storms. If partially raised, the blinds allow some air and daylight to enter through windows.

Most exterior shutter systems include a mechanical crank, rod, or motor to allow operation from indoors. This can help encourage daily use of the shutters, and may be required by local fire codes.

Learn more about exterior shutters and shades from the Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative.

AWNINGS

An awning is a roof-like shelter installed on a home’s exterior that shades windows from the sun’s heat and glare. Awnings can also shade outdoor living spaces. Awnings can be fixed or retractable.

Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. You can use an awning to shade one window or have an awning custom-made to shade the entire side of your house.

In the past, most awnings were made of metal or canvas, which need to be re-covered every five to seven years. Today, awnings are made from synthetic fabrics such as acrylic and polyvinyl laminates that are water-repellent and treated to resist mildew and fading. Whatever the fabric, you should choose one that is opaque and tightly woven. A light-colored awning will reflect more sunlight.

Awnings require ventilation to keep hot air from becoming trapped around the window. Grommets (eyelets) or other openings along the tops and sides of an awning can provide ventilation. The awning may also open to the sides or top to vent hot air.

While awnings can save energy during the cooling seasons, they can increase energy used for heating, so keep this in mind when deciding whether awnings are right for you. You can also adjust your use depending on the season: keep awnings installed or closed in the summer and remove or open awnings in the winter. Fixed awnings can sometimes be installed to allow the lower-angle winter sunlight to reach windows.

You can roll up adjustable or retractable awnings in the winter to let the sun warm the house. New hardware, such as lateral arms, makes the rolling up process quite easy. Some awnings can also be motorized for easy operation.

EXTERIOR SOLAR WINDOW SCREENS

Solar screens can reduce solar heat gain, UV damage, and glare. They can be installed on the interior or exterior as roller shades or fixed panels, and they typically allow for a view out the window and light transmission. They look similar to regular insect screens but provide more efficiency benefits.

The openness factor on solar screens varies and affects the efficiency benefits; greater openness reduces the protection against glare and solar heat gain but increases visibility and light transmission.

Read more about solar screens from the Efficient Window Coverings Collaborative.

Learn More About the Energy Performance Ratings for Window Treatments

When choosing window Treatments, look for products certified with the Treatments Energy Rating Council (AERC) Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort.

The AERC energy rating indicates that the product has been certified according to strict standards set forth by the AERC. AERC is an independent, public interest, non-profit organization whose mission is to rate, label and certify the energy performance of window attachment products.

The AERC Certified Product Search allows you to browse through the current window attachment products that have received AERC certification. Get started in your search for the energy-efficient window attachment product that’s right for you.

For more information on the benefits, performance, and energy rating and labels for window treatments, be sure to check out these resources:

AERC Resources Page