Three Ways Window Coverings Save Energy
When it comes to residential use of energy, 21% of all consumption in the US is for heating, cooling and lighting. Of that 21%, over half of it (11%) is used on lighting alone. When it comes to getting your home’s window coverings, one of the biggest reasons is to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Not everyone understands the intricacies of how shades and blinds can help your home become more energy-efficient. But that’s okay! That’s why we are here, to explain the ins and outs of window coverings and all the benefits they bring to your home! So, without further ado, this time on the Budget Blinds of Scottsdale blog we are going to give you everything you need to know about energy efficiency and window coverings.
What is Energy Efficiency?
Put simply, energy efficiency is using the least amount of energy necessary to reach a desired outcome. For an example, say you want to cool your home down to 78. If your home is 100% energy efficient, the only energy (in this case electricity) you will need is what it takes for your air conditioner to turn on and cool the home. Unfortunately, there are plenty of hurdles in your home that make that 100% efficiency just not possible. Windows for instance. These are energy “holes” where the energy used to heat and cool your home is lost, as the temperature from the outside of the window heats or drains the inside temp. As you can imagine, that makes your home inefficient. But you can set yourself up for success!
Three Ways Window Coverings Save Energy
If windows are energy “holes,” window coverings can act like valves, regulating the temperature exchange through the window. Here are three distinct ways that the right window covering can help save you energy!
Reduce Heat Flow
There are three ways that window coverings can help reduce heat flow (the movement of heat in and out of a room). With the right coverings, the room air is separated from the window, cutting off contact and reducing conduction. Conduction is when room air is heated or cooled when in contact with the window. Room air heated or cooled by a window causes air flow in a room which can make it seem warmer or cooler. This is called convection, and again the right window covering can cut down on that airflow caused by the temperature changes. Window coverings also can act as a barrier so that the heat of the home isn’t radiated outward but instead kept inside.
Control Solar Heat
A massive cause of heat in homes all across the Valley is of course the Sun! When light bounces through our windows, it’s actually solar energy bringing the heat of the sun with it. If a window is uncovered, solar energy enters the home, heats the room and the objects inside. This is particularly troublesome with East and West facing windows and skylights, as the Sun will shine right through the, and warm the home. Getting blinds, shades, or shutters will create a barrier blocking out that excess solar heat!
Enhance Daylight (reduces need for lighting)
Remember how we said 11% of the U.S. energy consumption was on lighting? The right window coverings can enhance daylight to reduce the need for extra lighting, cutting down heavily on your energy requirements. Some window coverings are better for diffusing and distributing natural daylight to reduce glare and diffuse and disperse the light throughout.
So, if you want your home to be energy efficient - you have to consider the right window coverings for the job. Unsure what to look for? Larry and Steve Linnemeyer are here to help! Give us a call, get your free consultation and see what Budget Blinds of Scottsdale can do to help you become energy efficient!
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