Window coverings can reduce energy loss via windows, reduce cooling and heating costs and enhance home comfort.

Roughly 30% of the heating power in a home is lost via windows. In cool seasons, approximately 76% of the sunlight on standard double panel windows gets heat.

Most types of window treatments are energy-efficient, but the exact savings depend on the type of fitting, season, weather, and the manner in which the attachment is used. In addition to the window treatments discussed below, storm windows with Low-E coatings are effective at improving the thermal performance of windows and reducing solar heat gain.

     Roller or Roman Shades

Roller shades are usually inexpensive shades that are raised or lowered from a roller bar fitted at the top of the window. Roman shades are fabric window shades that are drawn up into a series of evenly stacked folds when raised or lowered.

Typically these shades are inside or out of the window case and come in a variety of fabrics, colors, and weaves. Heavier fabrics typically provide slightly higher thermal performance; however, roller shades and roman shades offer small insulation and are the most effective for privacy, darkening, and sun-blocking.

Blinds

Summer heat gaining is less efficient than winter heat loss because of window blinds – vertical or horizontal slat type. Due to the many openings between blind laths, heat loss can be easily controlled through internal window blinds, but during the summer the laths provide flexibility. You can adjust the slats for glare, light, and solar heat to control them, unlike shades.

Highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain when closed completely and dropped on a sunny window. Horizontal blinds can also be adjusted for blocking and reflection on a light-colored ceiling. A light-colored ceiling diffuses the light while allowing you to benefit from natural daylight, without much heat or light.

Curtains and Drapes

Curtains are fabric interior attachments that are sized to fit the window, while drapes reach all the way to the floor. A drapery’s ability to reduce heat loss and gain depends on several factors, including fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. With such a wide variety of draperies available, it’s difficult to generalize about their energy performance.

During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.

When drawn during cold weather, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10%. Therefore, in winter, you should close all draperies at night, as well as draperies that don’t receive sunlight during the day.

Draperies should be hung as close as possible to the windows to reduce heat exchange or convection and drop into a windowsill or floor. Install the cornice at the top of the cloth or place the cloth against the ceiling for maximum effectiveness. Screen and cover the drapery in the middle on both sides. Velcro or magnetic tape may be used to attach cloths on the sides and under the wall. Such steps can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.

Window Films

Films from windows help block solar heat and protect from ultraviolet exposure and exposure. They are best used in climates where cooling seasons are long because in winter they also block heat from the sun.

It may be useful for homeowners who are not interested in blocking views using other window treatments but have problems with glare and the increase in solar heat. They can also be used in windows that are difficult to match with other window treatments, or where UV exposure can fade artwork, furniture, or carpeting.

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