When it is hot outside, air conditioning feels wonderful, but running it continually will make you sweat for another reason – when you get your high utility bills!
Nothing is more annoying than receiving a hefty electricity bill, especially when there are some simple steps you can do to save energy at home and the workplace. Energy conservation benefits the environment as well as your wallet by lowering your monthly electric cost.
Utilizing blinds, curtains, and a few other window treatments strategically can help keep your home cool and your expenses under control. According to the Department of Energy, effective window covering management can cut heat gain by up to 77 percent.
What are window blinds?
Blinds are slatted window treatments that can be horizontal or vertical. They are composed of materials including PVC, plastic, polyester, and wood and are easily movable and adjustable. They provide practical use in regulating light and preserving privacy in addition to being attractive.
The majority of blinds include a rod on one side that you may use to raise and lower them. Additionally, a rod on the opposite side allows you to alter the tilting of the slats and the amount of light that enters.
What are the different kinds of blinds?
There are many different materials used to make blinds, and each one has advantages. Here are a few well-liked types.
- Bamboo blinds
- Cellular blinds
- Roller blinds
- Roman blinds
- Vertical blinds
- Wooden blinds
- Faux wood blinds
How energy efficient blinds will save you money
Making your house more energy-efficient is one of their most notable benefits. The following are a few ways that your blinds will help with your energy conservation:
1. Cellular Blinds provide great insulation
Cellular blinds keep your space warm throughout the winter by keeping heat from escaping. In reality, air leakage via windows is responsible for around 25% of annual heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Cellular blinds give optimum heat retention and prevent heat from escaping your home. Energy companies offer rebates for certain cellular blinds because they are so energy efficient in the winter and the summer!
2. Energy-saving blinds can help dispel or store heat from your home
Window coverings will help keep your room cool throughout the summer and prevent your air conditioner from working too hard.
Light filtration and roller blinds can help warmer locations like Florida, Texas, California and Colorado summers by shielding your home from UV rays. These blinds or shades are perfect for homes during the hot season since they may increase the cooling effects while filtering out unwanted light.
3. Window coverings increase energy efficiency
Cellular blinds will absolutely increase your energy efficiency. You may also improve energy efficiency using other types of window coverings. Knowing when to close your sheer shades (for example) will help you save energy at home, therefore it is crucial to know when to do so.
Blinds and draperies will help you manage the sun’s rays in your home to create warmth in your space in winter.
When is the best time to open and close the blinds?
Knowing when to open and close your blinds will help you save a lot of energy. Sunny winter days are ideal for heating your home using passive solar energy.
Because they are good heat absorbers, this is especially helpful in spaces with floor to ceiling glass windows.
Final word
The windows that face south and west should be covered with blinds.
Window coverings can successfully block the heat before it enters your room through the windows and heats it. Cellular blinds will also reduce heat exchange to the outdoors in the winter, which will help keep your home nice and warm. They will also help you save energy at home.
Besides using blinds, you must also reduce unnecessary use of your dishwasher and install energy-efficient bulbs and turn off your AC when you don’t need to reduce your energy consumption.