Hang on, Summer's Coming!
Hang on, summer's coming! It might be hard to think about dealing with too much heat when you are looking at cold weather and threats of snow in Nixa, but summer will be here before you know it. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the high summer temperatures and save money on your power bills. We have a vast array of great shade and shutter options to choose from to match your home’s decor.
Window coverings are not just to keep people from seeing inside your home. In addition to blocking out unwanted light while you are trying to sleep or watch TV without glare on the screen, they help cut down on your energy bills. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates there is a 30% energy loss due to windows. In addition to 30% of the air conditioning going out, the sunlight coming through the windows heats up your home, causing the air conditioner to run more. The DOE estimates that 76% of the sunlight hitting the windows makes it into the home to cause “solar heat gain”.
Shutters Aren’t Just for Looks in Branson
One window covering option is shutters. Shutters are great for UV protection and for insulating your windows. Their design has them sitting closer to the windows, which reduces the amount of airspace being heated by the sun. Their natural insulating properties are also beneficial in the winter months. With a variety of wood grains and stains, and paint colors, you are sure to find the perfect look for each room. You can even put them in traditionally humid areas such as the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. Moisture-resistant options are available for these areas.
Drapes and Roman Shades Offer the Most Versatility
Because of the endless variety of patterns, weaves, and colors of fabric, drapes and roman shades offer the biggest selection of styles for matching and protecting your home. Fabric gives you the most control over the elements. The thicker the fabric and tighter the weave, the greater the insulation factor. Add in a white backing to reflect the sunlight and heat back out the window. The white backing also offers a consistent look from the outside, a requirement of some HOAs.
Installation also plays a part in battling the heat buildup in the summer - even in Blue Eye. The closer the shades or drapes hang to the wall and window, the better. It reduces the amount of heat gain by reducing the available air space to heat. Adding a valance or cornice to the top reduces the heat gain further, and they look great!
Insulating Cellular Shades
Cellular shades with their unique honeycomb design are one of the best options for reducing heat exchange through the windows. Depending upon the design, they can reduce solar heat gain from windows by 80%! That is awesome if you live in Hollister! They also reduce the heat loss in the winter. The pockets, or cells, in the shades trap and hold air. That trapped air acts as an insulator. The number and size of the pockets can be customized. There are even pockets within pockets. The more pockets, the greater the protection. Cellular shades also absorb sound and provide UV protection. You also have the versatility of fabric choices available to make sure you find the perfect match for your home.
Now is the perfect time to prepare for the summer heat! Get those new window coverings you have been wanting, save on your energy bills, and save on the new shades or shutters. A trifecta win!