Tips on Conserving Energy in the Fall
It’s officially fall, which means cooler mornings and nights, and warm days. With a constant flux in temperature, we at Budget Blinds of Tempe wanted to offer some advice on how to conserve energy.
Lower Your Thermostat
It might seem like the obvious first step, but lowering your thermostat will help with conserving energy. If you can handle having it lowered, 68 degrees or lower is the ideal energy savings number.
In fact, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by reducing your thermostat by 7-10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So, for example, if you set your thermostat to 78 normally, you would lower it to 70. Ideally, this would happen during working hours or when you’re asleep so you can save energy without feeling the chill.
If your home has a start Thermostat, you may be able to program the temperature change or control it through your phone.
Check for Undesired Airflow
Check for any drafts, cracks, or air leaks in your home by doors and windows. Some leaks may even come from cracks in the wall. This airflow comes directly from outside, so it can heavily contribute to the rising or falling temperature in your home.
Fixing these spots can be an easy DIY project for the weekend. If your front or back door has space between the door and the frame or floor (above or below the door), add weather stripping or use caulk to seal the gap. This will help excessive heat or cold air from entering or leaving your home.
Next, check the exterior of your home for gaps and cracks around windows and doors. If you find any, seal them with a weather-proof caulk. If the crack or gap is larger, you may need to use plaster or hire an expert to fix your siding.
On the inside, covering drafty windows will be extremely helpful with conserving energy. You can use heavy-duty plastic sheets on the frame, or go for a classier and more aesthetic choice of window treatments.
Install New Window Treatments
Your windows are one of the biggest factors affecting your energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy reported up to 25 percent of your home's heating bill can be attributed to energy lost due to your windows alone.
Your old window treatments may not be designed to block hefty drafts and are certainly not modernized to help you conserve energy. At Budget Blinds of Tempe, high-quality window treatments that save you money each month on your electric bill is of the highest importance to us.
Here’s how we can help you.
Energy-Saving Blinds and Curtains
Blinds and curtains are the most versatile way of conversing energy without breaking the bank. They are effective at keeping light and energy in, while blocking out drafts and the sun.
Window covers like our roller, Roman, or Cellular Shades are built to offer convenient functionality while adding significant insulation to your home at the same time.
The material and the design is key to cost-effective interior design. Some materials, such as cellular shades or drapes, offer the best energy efficiency and insulation. To find the right style for your home, schedule a free consultation.
Control The Amount of Light That Comes Through
Sunlight is the number one thing that heats up your home during the day. During the morning, you can let the sun heat up your home as you’re at work and your A/C is turned down. Open up your blinds on the south side of your home for the optimal warmth. You can also choose to open them on the east side to capitalize on the morning sun too. When you get home, close them to lock the heat in your home.
On sunny winter days, through your blinds open on the west side of your home (if your window is sealed tightly) to let in the sunlight. This is known as passive solar heating and is known to increase thermal mass in your interior design!
You can also keep them open during cooler nights to help cool down your home, if you like it colder at night. Alternatively, you can keep them closed to insulate your home.
Closing your blinds during the right time also conserves energy. On hot summer days, when the sun's light shines into some of your windows, it’s best to close your blinds, especially on the west side of your home. This will help keep out the passive solar heating, as well as keep the cool air in your home.
Keep in mind that some blinds actually reflect heat back into the house, which can be great for insulation, but bad for hot summer days.
Automate Your Blinds
The best thing you can do to ensure you’re conserving the most energy and keeping your home secure is through Smart Home devices, such as automated or motorized blinds. This will allow you hands-free control of when your shades or blinds are open and closed throughout the day.
Through Budget Blinds of Tempe, your motorized blinds will have whisper-quiet motors, an array of control options, hand-held remotes and other innovative accessories add true customization for raising and lowering your motorized blinds. Motorized blinds deliver an unmatched blend of convenience and natural lighting control at the touch of a button.
As a bonus, our motorized blinds are also programmable so they can automatically close when the sun is shining to keep fabrics, rugs, upholstery and artwork from fading, and to conserve energy.
To find the best high-quality window coverings for conserving energy, contact Budget Blinds of Tempe today.
