Tips on Choosing a Window Treatment for Your Home
Homeowners today have a wealth of options when it comes to window treatments. Your choice of covering can greatly impact the amount of heat or cold in your home, and hence your heating and air conditioning needs. Below are some window treatments that you can use to keep your home well-insulated and hence cut down the burden on your AC unit. This will ensure that your unit serves you for longer, as well as reducing your AC energy consumption.
Window shades
Window shades are the simplest window treatments to have, and they can significantly lower heat penetration through windows. For maximum effect, ensure that window shades are mounted as close as possible to the glass and touching adjacent walls to create a tight seal that minimizes heat gain/loss. You can further improve insulation by having dual-layered fabric with a dark and light colour on either side. Place the darker one outside in the winter to absorb heat and the lighter colour outside in the summer to reflect heat.
Drapes
Drapes are the most common window covering, and they can be useful in preventing heat gain/loss if colours and fabric are carefully selected. Choose drapes with white or light-coloured backing and keep them closed to reflect heat during summer months. Ensure proper covering by installing them as close to the window as possible. Floor-to-ceiling drapes will give an even better effect.
Awnings
Awnings are exterior home coverings which add character to the outdoor space and are ideal for regions with hot weather for most of the year. They are effective heat-blockers and should be installed outside windows facing south and west to reduce heat absorption into the house. You can improve efficacy by selecting tightly-woven, bright-coloured and opaque awnings for maximum heat exclusion. Install retractable awnings which can be rolled up when you need heat in your rooms during the cooler months.
Blinds
You can use interior and exterior blinds to reduce heat gain in the summer as well as improve privacy and achieve desired lighting indoors. Lower reflective blinds (those with light-coloured shades on the outside) on sunny days to reduce indoor heat gain significantly. Blinds are therefore ideal for west- and south-facing windows which bring in the greatest amount of heat in the afternoons when the sun is hottest. Exterior blinds are more effective since they block heat before it enters the house. They are, however, much harder to fit on existing windows, and are ideal when they can be factored in at the point of construction.
If you are wondering on what to use for your windows and where to get them from, visit mydallaswindows.com and you will get all the information you need regarding windows. Your home needs beautiful and eye-catching finishing and giving your windows the best treatment will bring out its beauty. Consider proper airing and lighting when choosing window treatment for your home. Too dark rooms might not bring out the beauty of other decor accessories such as flowers and paintings. Choose window treatments that are compatible with your home.
