The temperatures hit their lowest points for the first time this Winter here in the North-East. We even got our first snow dusting a few days ago. And of course it's no news that the energy costs are on the rise. So I thought it's just ever so timely that today we talk about energy efficient window treatments.



Did you know that in a typical home, windows account for nearly 50% of the heat gain and loss? Though windows are a beautiful feature in any home, they can also account for 10% to 25% of our bills. Since it costs the average American home about $1,000 to heat the house, that's up to $225 going right out the window! Also during the summer, air conditioners must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows, eating much more energy and driving up costs. Ah, those windows - can't live with them, can't live without them...

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "you can choose window treatments or coverings not only for decoration but also for saving energy." So you see, I didn't say it, the Energy Department did. Naturally, I second it. Window treatments are an excellent way to save energy. They provide insulation during the cold winter months as well as repel the heat during the summer.

There are two important concepts to take away (if you want to get just a bit technical here). The first is "the shading coefficient". The Shading Coefficient is a measure of the ability of the window treatment to reduce solar heat gain. The lower the number, the less solar heat will enter your home and the lower your cooling bill will be. Conversely, there is another concept, called the R-value. The R-value is the measure of material's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more the material insulates, the lower your heating bill will be. Phew, now that we are done with this fun part, let's talk some specifics.

There are several window covering options that maximize the energy efficiency of a home.

Blinds can reduce heat gain by as much as 45%. It is a practical option that gives you air and light flow, works to minimize harmful summer sun radiation, and maximizes heat retention in the winter.

Cellular shades (also referred to as honeycomb shades, if you remember last article) is arguably best option to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Referring back to the trusted U.S. Department of Energy, the website states that, "when properly installed, window shades can be one of the simplest and most effective window treatments for saving energy." Their unique construction literally traps the air in the cells: so cold air can't enter, while heated inside air can't escape. Better yet, cell shades 100% of U.V. rays that can fade and damage your furniture and flooring.

Traversing draperies will trap most of the air when kept closed. As you know, all custom draperies are lined (unless they are meant to be sheers), so, similar to the cell shades from above, the air gets trapped not only by one layer of fabric, but by two! Of course, the further out your draperies clear your window on the sides, the better their insulative qualities are.

You may be in the position where blinds, shades, or draperies are just not an option for your home. If that's your situation, consider window film. It's a unique and least obtrusive way to drop your energy costs, prevent fading, and stop other sun damage.

Here are a couple more simple tips to keeping the energy costs down:

* During winter, keep the shades or blinds on south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight and heat to enter the home.

* Close blinds and shades at night to help reduce heat loss. Also, when closing blinds, you'll maximize insulation if you close the blinds with the leading edge up.

* During summer, keep the window coverings closed during the day to prevent the sun from heating the home.

* And of course, be sure to caulk and weather-strip around the windows, to reduce air leakage or infiltration.