Energy-Efficient Window Treatments for Your Home

Now that winter is here, you may want to invest in new, energy-efficient window treatments that will make your home more comfortable and attractive. Here are some options to consider.

Insulated Drapes

To make the most of this option:

• Install a cornice over the top of the drapes to hide hardware and keep cold air encased around the window while drapes are closed at night.
• Make sure drapes reach to the floor or the windowsill to form an enclosed box around the window.
• Allow drapes to overlap in the middle by several inches.
• Use heavy, insulated drapes with a separate liner to trap a layer of insulating air.

Roman Shades 

These are a nice option if you have beautiful woodwork and don’t want it hidden by heavy drapes. Roman shades fold into horizontal pleats when lifted, and hang flat when lowered. They can be easily made by anyone who sews. Fiberfill layers can be added between the liner and outer material, or the shades can be made from quilted fabric.

Cellular Shades 

These are ingenious shades made of honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, forming an insulated panel between the window and your home’s interior. You can get single-cell or double-cell, light-filtering or light-blocking cellular shades. When lifted, cellular shades fit more compactly against the top of the window frame than roman shades do.

These window treatments will help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

If you’d like additional tips on affordable upgrades to make your home more comfortable and attractive in this buyer’s market, give me a call.

Links

Window treatments

http://umaine.edu/publications/7214e/

Roman shades

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJGdLU3v2cI

Cellular shades

http://diyhousetips.com/52/energy-efficient-window-shades/