Northern Virginia Home Improvement

Design Pro Home Improvement Information

Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency by Adding Window Treatments

Adding window treatments or coverings to your existing windows is a fantastic way to improve your home's energy efficiency. Certain window treatments, including awnings, blinds, draperies, insulated panels, overhangs, shades, screens, shutters, and storm panels, can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. It's estimated that inefficient windows can add up to 25 percent to heating bills and up to 75 percent to air conditioning bills, according to the Smart Energy Living Alliance.

All types of window coverings and treatments can somewhat insulate windows and reduce heat loss or heat gain, and are even more effective if they are custom fitted to your existing windows. Those treatments that are airtight create a dead air space between themselves and the window glass, and are even more energy efficient. Energy efficiency of window coverings is measured in R-values; the higher the R-value, the more it will protect your home from heat loss. The lower the number, the more effective it will protect your home from the summer sun. Standard window blinds have an R-1 value, while thermal or insulated coverings can boast an R-6 level. Draperies and shades can be thermally lined to increase the R-value, while hardwood shutters and wood blinds are a great natural choice for insulation.

Vertical or horizontal window blinds are an effective way to reduce summer heat gain, as interior slats can be adjusted to control light and ventilation. Awnings can also reduce solar heat gain, and are often made from synthetic fabrics that are water- and mildew-repellent. Draperies are effective at reducing summer heat gain and winter heat loss. During the summer, draperies should be closed to direct sunlight, and when drawn during cold weather, can reduce heat loss from a warm room. To reduce heat exchange or convection, draperies should be hung as close to the window as possible, and should fall onto a windowsill or floor. Finally, window shades are one of the most effective window treatments for saving energy. Homeowners should lower shades on sunlit windows in the summer, while shades on the south side of a house should be raised in the winter during the day, then lowered during the night.

For more advice on energy efficient window treatments, contact Design Pro Exteriors, the Washington, DC specialist in windows, siding, roofing, doors, trim wrap, gutters, and railings.

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Northern Virginia Home Improvement: Replacement Window and Siding Services

WINDOWS: Custom Window Replacement • Window Replacement • Vinyl Replacement • Skylight Windows • Window Replacement Installation • Insulated Windows • Sunroom Windows • Composite Windows • Fiberglass Windows • Double Hung Windows • Awning Windows • Bay Windows • Casement Windows • Picture Windows • Vinyl Replacement Windows • Window Installation / Replacement • Quality Replacement Windows • Anderson Windows • Pella Windows • Palladian Windows • CertainTeed Windows • Jeld-Wen Windows • Energy Efficient Windows • Energy Star Windows SIDING: Vinyl Siding • Clapboard Siding • Composite Siding • Green Siding • Cedar Siding • Wood Siding • James Hardie Siding • hardie board siding