The Best Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Did you know that window treatments can be eco-friendly? On top of increasing your home’s energy efficiency, the material you choose can also be less impactful on the environment. Today, we’re going to go over our most eco-friendly options available at Budget Blinds of Tempe.
Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
About 30% of your home’s energy is lost through your windows, which is a pretty dramatic number. You can reduce that with the right eco-friendly window treatment. Look for their R-value. Window insulation is measured by its R-value. The higher the number, the better job the window treatment does in insulating your windows. The highest possible rating is a 5.
Cellular Shades
If you follow our blog, then you know we’re huge fans of cellular shades. These are top-of-the-line shades in terms of energy efficiency and sound dampening. They work by using their honeycomb cells to trap heat and noise. You can have one or two layers of these cells to help increase energy efficiency too!
Cellular shades have one of the highest R-values of all window coverings thanks to those layers and air pockets, making them the best insulating window treatment on the market. The single-cell fabric has an R-Value between 1.6 and 2.5, and the double cell fabric has a metric R-value between 2.8 and 4.0.
Drapery
Standard curtains generally have an R-value of 1, however, properly installed insulating curtains that are made of energy-efficient fabrics and are flush with your walls and windows can achieve an R value between 4-5!
Closed-weave fabrics that are lighter in color are generally better at insulating. Go for pinks, yellows, whites, and greens. If you want a darker color, try adding a white liner. Medium-colored draperies with white backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Energy Efficient Materials
High-quality wool-blend curtains and drapes are especially great at keeping chilly air out in the colder months and air conditioning in during the warmer months. High-quality is key here, as higher quality wool is likely to be more tightly woven, thus reducing any heat loss.
Other fabrics you might consider for a pair of insulated curtains include any medium-heavy weighted options or materials with a tight weave.
On top of that, the curtain lining material can transform a majority of fabrics into thermally-insulated curtains. Some curtain linings even have a fleece-backing to better insulate your home and reduce your energy usage in the winter!
Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
When it comes to eco-friendly window treatments, all of our wood products are sourced from here in America. We’re proud of the lower environmental impact we’ve been able to create from this. However, wood isn’t the most eco-friendly option we offer. For that, we look to bamboo.
Our bamboo window shades are perfect for homeowners who want the richness of wood without the cost to the environment. Bamboo grows much faster than trees and is readily available in large amounts and more affordable than other blinds.
Window Treatments to Avoid If You Want to be Eco-Friendly
If you want to be environmentally conscious, avoid this one material: faux wood or composite. Though it looks like the real deal, faux wood is actually made of PVC. Though it can be recycled, PVC is a type of synthetic plastic and is considered to be one of the most damaging plastics to the environment due to its production and disposal.
On top of that, if the faux wood or composite window treatments are mixed with another material such as hardwood, they can no longer be recycled. We recommend avoiding this option if you want to be eco-friendly.
To browse all of our eco-friendly options, visit us online. If you have any questions or want to get the process started, give us a call at 623-303-4515 or schedule your free design consultation.
