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

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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

Efficient Window Coverings

ENERGY STAR label for storm windows

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:

YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjbx4kVQWyLFngmoOFKk9JA
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

Millsboro Location

Header Better Blinds Shades window treatments energy efficient winter

Save Money This Winter with Energy-Efficient Window Treatments: PART 1

Window treatments can be attached either internally or externally to windows to increase energy efficiency, improve privacy, decrease glare, enhance the value and appearance of your home.

What Are the Benefits of Energy-Efficient Window Treatments:

Both new and old homes need energy-efficient window treatments. Windows account for 30% of the home’s heating power. About 76% of the sunlight that passes through standard double-pane windows in cooling seasons becomes heat. Window coverings can reduce this loss of energy by providing comfort and regulating temperatures.

The type of attachment chosen the climate and the way it is used will all impact the exact savings. Storm windows with low-e coatings or multi-layer glazing can improve the thermal performance of windows as well as reduce solar heat gain.

Window Treatments: Key Benefits:

  • Comfort improvement
  • Dimming the glare and daylight
  • Energy savings
  • Cold drafts should be reduced near windows
  • Protect your privacy
  • Temperature control
    • When it’s cold, windows can reduce daytime and nighttime heat losses
    • When it’s hot, windows can reduce unwanted solar heat gain

Operable Window Treatments

Operable window covers allow you to control the opening and closing of your coverings. This allows you to make the most of natural light and maximize heat gain. There are many options: shades, blinds, shutters, awnings or draperies, window treatments, and shutters.

Operation of Window Treatments & Tips

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of residential window covers remain in the same place every day. While most window coverings can be operated, 75% of them are not. Do not fall for this trap – choose carefully which coverings to open and close during the day.

Open the window treatments in the morning if it is winter and sunny. This will allow the sun to heat your house. You can enjoy the sun all day, especially if you have direct sunlight.

To reduce heat gain in summer, keep your window coverings shut. You can let natural light in through the window coverings that aren’t exposed to direct sunlight.

To maximize sunlight and heat, you might also consider switching between the open and closed positions throughout the day.

Automated options are available for window coverings that can be installed in difficult-to-reach areas. Find out more about the advantages, drawbacks and installation of automated window covers.

Different types of window treatments:

Interior

  • Blinds
  • Cellular shades
  • Pleated shades
  • Roller shades
  • Roman shades
  • Storm windows/windowpanes
  • Shutters

Exterior:

  • Glass can be coated with plastic films
  • Exterior shades
  • Shutters
  • Awnings
  • Solar screens
  • Storm Windows
  • Interior Window Treatments
Body image Better Blinds Shades window treatments energy efficient winter blinds shades shutters

Insulated Cellular Shades:

Insulated cellular shades are made from pleated materials and are intended to be folded up accordion-like at the top and bottom of the windows. Insulated shades have one or more layers of air in a honeycomb cross section. You can adjust them from the top or bottom or both.

Insulated cellular shades are often considered to have the highest R values of all window coverings. The honeycomb cross-sections’ air pockets act as insulation, increasing the R value and reducing heat conduction through the window.

Insulated cellular shades are a great choice if you want to save significant energy through your window coverings. They also offer privacy, comfort, and increased home value.

Cellular shades that are tightly fitted can reduce heat loss by up to 40% in heating seasons. This equates roughly to 10% energy savings. Cellular shades can be used to reduce solar heat loss through windows up to 60% in cooling seasons. They can also reduce solar gain by as much as 20% if fitted tightly.

Side track cellular shades are the most effective in increasing the R value of windows. Those that open from both top and bottom can be used to control sunlight entering the home.

Certain cellular shades can be programmed to automate, so that the blinds open and close according to a predetermined schedule. You can adjust the schedule to decrease heating and cooling loads, maximize natural light, and increase comfort in your home.

For more information on the savings & energy efficiency of window treatments, check out the resource links below:

AERC Resources Page

Efficient Window Coverings

ENERGY STAR label for storm windows

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:

YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjbx4kVQWyLFngmoOFKk9JA
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

Millsboro Location