If you are looking for a simple and effective way to save energy and money on your heating and cooling bills, you may want to pay attention to your window coverings. Window coverings, such as blinds, shades, curtains, or shutters, can help you control the amount of light and heat that enters and leaves your home through your windows. By closing or opening your window coverings at the right time, you can reduce your energy consumption and improve your comfort. In this article, we’ll explain how closing the blinds can save energy in both summer and winter, and give you some tips on how to use window coverings to lower your bills.
During summer, closing the blinds can save energy by keeping direct sunlight out of your home and reducing unwanted solar heat gain. Solar heat gain is the increase in temperature caused by sunlight shining through windows. It can make your home feel hotter and force your air conditioner to work harder to keep it cool.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. By using window coverings to block this sunlight, you can reduce solar heat gain by up to 80%.
This can lower the temperature in your home by several degrees and reduce your cooling costs by up to 15%. Closing the blinds can also prevent fading and damage to your furniture, carpets, and artwork caused by UV rays.
The best time to close the blinds in summer is during the day, especially when the sun is shining directly on your windows. You should close the blinds on all windows that face east in the morning, south in the afternoon, and west in the evening. You should also close the blinds on skylights or windows that are not shaded by trees or buildings.
The best type of blinds to use in summer are those that reflect sunlight and heat away from your home, such as white or light-colored blinds made of metal, wood, or vinyl. You can also use reflective blinds or films that have a shiny surface on the side facing the window. These can reflect up to 90% of incoming solar radiation.
During winter, closing the blinds can save energy by adding some insulation to the windows and reducing heat loss. Heat loss is the transfer of heat from inside your home to outside through windows. It can make your home feel colder and force your heater to work harder to keep it warm.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows. By using window coverings to create an air gap between the glass and the room, you can reduce heat loss by up to 25%.
This can lower your heating costs by up to 10%. Closing the blinds can also prevent cold drafts near windows that can make you feel uncomfortable and lower your indoor air quality.
The best time to close the blinds in winter is during the night, when it is colder outside than inside. You should close the blinds on all windows that are not facing south or that are not receiving direct sunlight during the day. You should also close the blinds on skylights or windows that are not protected by storm windows or double glazing.
The best type of blinds to use in winter are those that trap heat inside your home, such as dark or heavy blinds made of fabric, wood, or vinyl. You can also use insulating blinds or shades that have a honeycomb structure or a layer of air or foam between two layers of fabric. These can increase the R-value (a measure of insulation) of your windows by up to 5.
Besides closing or opening your blinds at the right time and choosing the right type of blinds for each season, here are some other tips on how to use window coverings to lower your bills:
Window coverings are not only decorative elements that enhance the look and feel of your home, but also functional elements that can help you save energy and money on your heating and cooling bills. By closing the blinds, you can keep direct sunlight out of your home in summer and reduce solar heat gain, and add some insulation to your windows in winter and reduce heat loss. By choosing the right type of blinds for each season and using them strategically, you can lower your energy consumption and improve your comfort.
We hope this article has helped you understand how closing the blinds can save energy and how to use window coverings to lower your bills. If you need more help with choosing or installing window coverings, feel free to contact us at Huetifulhomes.com. We are your trusted source for all things home decor and lifestyle. We offer expert advice, quality products, and friendly service that will make your home beautiful and comfortable.
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
