Window Treatments- The Most Energy Efficient

Exterior Blinds

Made of wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl, exterior blinds are constructed above the replacement window.  When you lower the blinds, their slats come together and allow for shade. When raised, the blinds allow ventilation and sunlight to filter in through the replacement windows.

Draperies

To either reduce heat loss during the summer months or gain it during winter depends on fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. With such a wide variety of draperies available, it's easy to find draperies that will help save you energy.

During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Because of their pleats that let out heat, draperies are one of the best energy efficient window treatments for the summer.

Mesh Window Screens

Mesh window screens can reduce heat gain caused by sunlight during the summer months. Screens should cover the entire window have found to be very effective on replacement windows facing both east and west.

Overhangs

Roof overhangs can shade south-facing windows from the heat of the summer. If displayed properly, overhangs will allow the sunlight to filter in through the replacement windows during the winter, allowing warmth to enter your home.

Window awnings, or lattice-type panels can be great alternatives for existing homes, because unfortunately adding a roof overhang to an already constructed house can be quite difficult.

Shades

An effective and low cost energy saver would be shades.
Shades should be mounted as close to the glass as possible with the sides of the shade held close to the wall to establish a sealed air space. You should lower shades on sunlit windows in the summer.

Dual shades—white on one side and dark on the other-- that can be reversed for summer versus winter. The reflective surface (white) faces the warmest side—outward during winter and inward during summer.

To be effective, they should be drawn when the window is not in use.
Quilted roller shades and  Roman shades control ventilation more effectively than other window treatments, due to the fabric that they are comprised of.

Shutters

Window shutters—both interior and exterior—can help reduce heat from entering your home.
Interior shutters open on either side of the window, so you’ll need to have that portion of the wall clear.

Shutters require hardware that is attached to the replacement window jams or trim. Exterior shutters provide the best window insulation system and they have a few benefits like security and protection against the weather.

Exterior shutters have to be built into your home's structure and their mounting and hinging will require a consultant’s opinion for new construction.
Like window blinds, louvered shutters are most beneficial in the summer months. Movable or fixed louvers provide ventilation and sunlight to filter into a room, but block the sun’s intense rays

For greater insulation, combine shutters with other window treatments like draperies.

For any other questions you may have, please contact us: