Summertime: Lower Your Energy Costs with Window Coverings

Air conditioning feels great during the high temperatures of summer, especially in our state of Florida but when it is running practically nonstop that can cause a consumer to “overheat” receiving their utility bill.

According to the Department of Energy window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. The use of blinds, shades, and other window treatments can help keep your home or office cooler and your bills lower. Window coverings should be fitted enough to seal as many air pockets as possible, reducing the amount of light coming into a room.

Here are some energy-saving tips from DOE that will help.

Shades: are one of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy, when properly installed. And kept closed all day keeping out the sun. These can be mounted as close to the glass as possible, within the window frame, this creates a space that is sealed. Roman Shades with layers of batting serve both to insulate and an air barrier and can be more effective than other soft window treatments.

Blinds: With horizontal slats, it can be difficult to control heat loss through interior window blinds, although they do offer some flexibility. Yet, unlike shades, you can adjust the slats to control light and ventilation.

Shutters: Plantation Shutters that are fitted in within a frame and have seals, will stop the heat between the hot air behind the window covering and the cooler air conditioning in a room. Without a frame and seal the air circulating adds heat to a room.

These are a few helpful hints to saving energy with window coverings and more information on energy conserving can be found on the following website, www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings