June 5, 2017 – Summer is in full swing and there are small changes you can make to your home to maximize protection as the temperature swings on hot days.
First and foremost, window coverings. We’ve outlined different styles and helpful tips to keep your house cooler and your energy costs down.
Shades
The Department of Energy considers window shades the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window coverings.
Hint: Proper installment is key. Mounting your shades as close to the glass as possible and against the adjacent wall creates a tight seal that will minimize both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— also add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter
Blinds
Above all choices, blinds help reduce solar heat gain while maintaining desired light, ventilation, and privacy. When closed and lowered on a sunny window, reflective blinds (white or near white) are capable of reducing heat gain by 45%. That can be significant when being thoughtful about energy costs.
Hint: Shop for different colors, materials, and lowering mechanisms that fit your lifestyle. For security reasons, homes with small children should have cordless blinds when available.
Drapes
Depending on fabric weight and color, drapes help insulate your home from both solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Medium-colored drapes — with a white plastic backing — can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33% if left closed during warmer months.
As with other window treatments, a tight seal is required for maximum performance. Hang drapes as close to the window as possible.
Stop by our Coralville or Cedar Rapids showrooms and check out our beautiful selection of window coverings for your home.
Hint: Shop for different colors, materials, and lowering mechanisms that fit your lifestyle. For security reasons, homes with small children should have cordless blinds when available.
Drapes
Depending on fabric weight and color, drapes help insulate your home from both solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Medium-colored drapes — with a white plastic backing — can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33% if left closed during warmer months.
As with other window treatments, a tight seal is required for maximum performance. Hang drapes as close to the window as possible.
Stop by our Coralville or Cedar Rapids showrooms and check out our beautiful selection of window coverings for your home.
