Window Treatments & Coverings To Help Weatherize Your Home
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List of weatherizing window treatments with benefits of each so you can make an informed choice plus great deals on window coverings. Plus watch our featured video: Use Saran Wrap to Insulate Windows for a low cost alternative window covering. Using window treatments and coverings can save on energy costs in your home. Here is a list of window treatments and coverings with the benefits of each one for winter and summer months.
List of Window Treatments & Coverings
Window Treatments
Roll up or retractable awnings- Can be opened to let sun warm your home during the day in winter months and closed to keep the heat out in the summer.
Interior & Exterior window blinds-Better at reducing summer heat than reducing winter heat loss.
Insulated drapes or curtains-Open drapes on sunny windows during the winter to allow heat from the sun in and close them at night. Keep drapes closed on sunny windows during summer months. "Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%. Draperies also stay cooler in the summer than some other window treatments because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection". Hang drapes close as possible to windows, allow them to hang over the window sill (preferably all the way to the floor).
Cornice-Use a cornice at the top of drapes to reduced heating and cooling costs.
High reflective films-Great for reducing summer heat gain. Unfortunately,they also block the sun in the winter months when you need it.
Mesh window screens-Reduce heat gain in summer if they are mounted in an exterior frame and cover the whole window. These work best on East and West facing windows.
Overhangs-Use roof overhangs on South facing windows to reduce heat in the summer. If positioned correctly they will allow sunlight in during winter months to provide additional warmth.
Louvered patio covers-Reduce heat loss in winter and reduce cooling loss in summer.
Lattice panels-Reduce heat loss in winter and reduce cooling loss in summer.
Window shades-Simple and most effective window treatment to reduce energy costs. Duel shades which are white on one side and dark on the other which can be reversed with the seasons are the most effective. White side should face the warmest side in hot temperatures to reflect heat and reversed with the dark side facing outward in cold seasons.
Quilted roller shades-Roman shades have layers of fiber batting and sealed edges which provide insulation, act as an air barrier more effectively than other soft window treatments.
Pleated or Cellular Shades-These have dead air spaces which helps them to insulate better however they only provide a slight control over air filtration.
Shutters-Using interior and exterior shutters can help reduce the loss of heat in your home and are easily adjusted to control sunlight coming into the house during summer months and allowing it during winter months. Shutters also provide added security. Outdoor shutters can prevent hail damage to your windows too! This is one of your best options.
Storm panels-This is a huge energy saver which reduces heat loss by 50% and do not cost as much as double glazed windows. They can be added to exterior and interior sides of windows.
Heat Shrink film-Forms tightly against the seal of windows when heated with a hairdryer and does not wrinkle. This reduces drafts.
Roll up or retractable awnings- Can be opened to let sun warm your home during the day in winter months and closed to keep the heat out in the summer.
Interior & Exterior window blinds-Better at reducing summer heat than reducing winter heat loss.
Insulated drapes or curtains-Open drapes on sunny windows during the winter to allow heat from the sun in and close them at night. Keep drapes closed on sunny windows during summer months. "Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%. Draperies also stay cooler in the summer than some other window treatments because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection". Hang drapes close as possible to windows, allow them to hang over the window sill (preferably all the way to the floor).
Cornice-Use a cornice at the top of drapes to reduced heating and cooling costs.
High reflective films-Great for reducing summer heat gain. Unfortunately,they also block the sun in the winter months when you need it.
Mesh window screens-Reduce heat gain in summer if they are mounted in an exterior frame and cover the whole window. These work best on East and West facing windows.
Overhangs-Use roof overhangs on South facing windows to reduce heat in the summer. If positioned correctly they will allow sunlight in during winter months to provide additional warmth.
Louvered patio covers-Reduce heat loss in winter and reduce cooling loss in summer.
Lattice panels-Reduce heat loss in winter and reduce cooling loss in summer.
Window shades-Simple and most effective window treatment to reduce energy costs. Duel shades which are white on one side and dark on the other which can be reversed with the seasons are the most effective. White side should face the warmest side in hot temperatures to reflect heat and reversed with the dark side facing outward in cold seasons.
Quilted roller shades-Roman shades have layers of fiber batting and sealed edges which provide insulation, act as an air barrier more effectively than other soft window treatments.
Pleated or Cellular Shades-These have dead air spaces which helps them to insulate better however they only provide a slight control over air filtration.
Shutters-Using interior and exterior shutters can help reduce the loss of heat in your home and are easily adjusted to control sunlight coming into the house during summer months and allowing it during winter months. Shutters also provide added security. Outdoor shutters can prevent hail damage to your windows too! This is one of your best options.
Storm panels-This is a huge energy saver which reduces heat loss by 50% and do not cost as much as double glazed windows. They can be added to exterior and interior sides of windows.
Heat Shrink film-Forms tightly against the seal of windows when heated with a hairdryer and does not wrinkle. This reduces drafts.
Don't Miss These Great Deals For Window Weatherization
Featured Video: Use Saran Wrap to Insulate Your Windows
Here is an affordable alternative to plastic window coverings.
How to Use the Sun From Your Windows to Heat Your Home
See More Awesome Weatherization Tips For Your Home
Great ways to weatherize your home. Easy ways to winterize your home, window treatments and coverings, insulation tips, plus great deals on insulation kits! Go to Best Weatherization Tips for Your Home
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References:
Energy efficient window treatments. Retrieved Nove. 6,2016. Energy.gov. http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-treatments
Video: Use saran wrap to insulate your windows (Dec. 21,2014). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9IO9vT6YUY
Energy efficient window treatments. Retrieved Nove. 6,2016. Energy.gov. http://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-treatments
Video: Use saran wrap to insulate your windows (Dec. 21,2014). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9IO9vT6YUY