Style and Efficiency Hidden Advantages of Window Treatments
Site Administrator • May 6, 2019
Most people look at things like drapes, curtains, and blinds and see just that: window coverings. They see the color and the style and how this matches the rest of your home or apartment. However, what most people do not understand is the fact that there are many other benefits of window coverings. In this article, we will take a look at some options (Many can be purchased at a locally owned window covering location) for your home that can make you more energy efficient, retain your the stylistic view that you have of your home or apartment, and even reduce your utility bills:
Option 1: Insulated Cellular Shades
According to Energy.gov, “Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window.” (Note: R-value refers to the amount of insulation provided by a certain window covering). Insulated cellular shades fold down in a sort of “accordion” style in front of the window. by reducing the conduction of heat through the window, they help keep the temperature from changing inside your home. As any homeowner or renter knows, the longer the temperature in a home can stay the same, the less your HVAC system has to run, and the lower your bills can go. For more information about saving money and reducing energy consumption, contact your local electric provider. Also, a visit to a few locally owned window covering stores can certainly help you find insulated cellular shades that will match the style you are looking for in your home. In the north suburbs of Chicago, Northshore Window Treatments
and Design will work to cover all your window covering needs.
Option 2: Blinds
While many people think of blinds as being tacky, many also do not know how many options there are in this department. While the stereotype of this type of window covering are off-white horizontal blinds that your grandmother yells at because they will not work right and are a pain to move up and down or large, unwieldy vertical blinds that make you feel like you are waiting to go get a root canal. However, there are options of all colors in this department. While blinds are not for everyone, depending on the color, they can also provide efficiency benefits. Many colors of blinds will allow natural light to enter your home (Which can reduce your need for electric lighting), while also blocking direct sunlight from bringing unnecessary heat into your home. Also, when you are ready to open your windows completely, they can be moved out of the way to allow maximum air flow in your home. When your windows are open and air is flowing through your home, you can turn your HVAC unit off and watch your bills drop. Ask your locally owned
window covering store about their options for blinds, and you might be surprised at how stylish some of them are.
Option 3: Automation
Many homeowners would be astonished to hear that there are automated options when it comes to window coverings. However, although they cost more, they have benefits not offered by any other type of window covering. For example, during the winter, you want windows facing the sun to be uncovered, taking advantage of the heat offered by the sun, but you want them covered at night, when you will lose heat (Draperies can reduce the heat loss in a room by up to 10%). During the summer, you want the natural light offered by indirect sunlight, but not the copious heat gain that comes from direct sunlight during the warm months. Obviously, every climate is different (The summer in North Dakota is very different from the summer in Texas), so a locally owned store will be able to help you determine whether automated window coverings are the best option for you.
Regardless of what choice you make regarding your energy efficient window coverings, consider consulting your locally owned window covering outlet first. They can give you service tailored to your specific needs.
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People have many options when it comes to shades. You might be looking for a specific style or want to control the amount of light that comes in. No matter what you’re looking for, there are good reasons to choose woven wood shades that you may not have considered. A Natural Feel The best feature about woven wood shades is the sense of nature they bring to your home. Because NorthShore creates each blind from natural materials, there's a unique sense of earthiness in them that goes well with any décor. Having a few plants in the same room with your new shades will make the entire room brim with the comforts of the outdoors. Eco-Friendly Another reason to choose woven wood shades is their positive impact on the environment. As previously mentioned, these custom window shades come from natural materials, so they look wonderful and are good for the planet. You can rest easy in your living space knowing you're doing right by the Earth. Easy To Manage Woven wood shades are some of the most accessible shades to work with. Installing them is a breeze once you slide the headrail into the window frame. Woven wood is easy to clean with a vacuum brush, but we recommend not spraying them with cleaner, as that could warp the wood. Lots of Customization Woven wood shades come in various colors and varieties that best fit your living needs. One significant advantage is that light-blocking screens are easy to attach and remove from your new shades, giving you complete control of how much light comes through. Woven shades are the best way to go from being easy to install, benefit the planet, and offer a sense of comfort and customization that fits all needs. Here at NorthShore Window Treatments, we have all the window shades for your home. We can help you get the products you need at a price you’ll love.
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