January 25, 2010
by Richard M.

Your choice of window treatment can greatly affect the energy efficiency of your home. Here are some tips on choosing the most energy efficient treatments.

So, its time to re-decorate and you want to do it in the most eco-friendly way possible. Luckily, many manufacturers of interior decorating products have realized that there are lots of people who want their homes to be as “green” as possible, especially when it comes to window treatments. There are a few things you can look for when selecting window treatments that will help you choose the most eco-friendly option possible.

First, you want a treatment that will maximize your energy efficiency. This will not only be good for the environment, it will also save you money by reducing your energy bills. Which treatment is best depends mainly on your insulation needs. If you live in a warmer climate and your primary concern is heat gain, reflective blinds may be the best way to go as they can reduce heat gain by 45%. For preventing heat loss, window shades that are installed as close to the glass as possible with the sides of the shade close to the walls are best. This creates a sealed air space and makes it difficult for the heat to escape. And of course, buying locally maximizes your window treatment’s energy efficiency by cutting the amount of energy it takes to get them to you.

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