Save Green By Going Green: Gorgeous Window Treatments
Energy retrofit. HVAC. Insulation. With the big words (and the sometimes big expense), it can be hard to get excited about energy efficiency. But it's easy, inexpensive, and amazingly decorative to bring energy efficiency into your home. You save money, do good for the earth, and redecorate all at the same time. What could be better?
Window treatments are some of the low-hanging fruit in the world of energy efficiency. Cover your windows during the summer, and keep your house cool. Cover your windows in the winter, and keep your house warm.
To save the most energy (and money), pay close attention to materials and fit. Here are some great window treatment options to help you save green while going green.
Window treatments are some of the low-hanging fruit in the world of energy efficiency. Cover your windows during the summer, and keep your house cool. Cover your windows in the winter, and keep your house warm.
To save the most energy (and money), pay close attention to materials and fit. Here are some great window treatment options to help you save green while going green.
The combination of bamboo shade (sustainable material!) plus cloth drape provides extra insulation to prevent air flow. Be sure that you've properly fitted your drape (ceiling to floor or casement) for maximum efficiency.
I'm a big fan of Roman shades, which are great insulators and protect against air infiltration. Bonus "green" points for this energy efficient combination of Roman shades and matching drapes.
Just look at the fit of these Roman shades! Their perfect wall alignment keeps the cold air outside on a chilly day.
Coming from a family of plantation shutter lovers, I'd probably be disowned if I didn't include at least one picture of these charming window coverings. Look how nicely they let in the natural light! Best for keeping your house cool in the summer, they're not as effective as reducing heat loss during the winter. Consider pairing them with another shade.
In Japan, where energy costs are some of the highest in the world, homeowners use window treatments as both decorative and functional. These Japanese rice paper shades (called "shoji") provide protection from drafts, while allowing in natural light during the day.
Who'd ever want to hide this view? For all windows, but especially those that you prefer not to cover, the magic word is "caulk." Caulking around your door and window frames is an inexpensive project that can reduce air infiltration and cut your energy costs.