Sustainable and Stylish Window Solutions

Attractive windows can make a huge difference to a room. They let in light and air, helping to keep the space bright and airy. Window treatments are necessary for privacy and light control. They are also a great way to add color, texture or an interesting pattern to a room.

Nowadays, more people are looking for ways to make their property more energy efficient in an effort to reduce their utility bills. One way of increasing the energy efficiency of a home is through incorporating energy-conserving window dressings.

However, homeowners should remember that window treatments are not very effective at reducing air leakage. As such, the areas around windows should be draft proofed using caulk or weather-strips to prevent warm air from seeping out of the house or cold air blowing in.

Common window solutions that help to conserve energy include:

• Glazing

Double or triple glazed windows provide effective additional insulation for a house. In most cases, glazing involves installing two or three glass panes separated by a space filled with inert gas (krypton, argon or xenon). These gases help to reduce the conduction of heat from the home, leaving the rooms comfortably warm. The seals used in glazed windows need to be perfect to avoid air leakages that would result in heat loss.

• Blinds

Horizontal or vertical slat-type blinds are quite effective at reducing summer heat in a home. They can be installed inside or outside the window. Blinds have numerous openings between the slats, making it difficult to control the amount of heat lost. Though this property may be troublesome in winter, it is invaluable in summer. The slats can also be adjusted to control the heat and ventilation in the room.

• Shutters

Shutters can be used both inside and outside the window frame. They offer a cost-effective way of conserving energy in the home. Solid shutters fit tightly against the window and provide excellent insulation. They help to trap warm air in the home during winter by decreasing heat loss. In summer, these shutters prevent heat gain and allow free movement of air that in turn cools the home. This eliminates the need for expensive air conditioning.

• Shades

Shades should be mounted as close to the windowpanes as possible in order to create a sealed air space that will assist in retaining warmth within the home. In summer, the shades on sunlit widows should be lowered to cool the house. Nowadays, dual shades are available with a heat-absorbing dark surface on one side and a reflective light surface on the other. These allow the shades to be reversed according to the season.

• Draperies

The insulating properties of a drapery mainly depend on the fabric type and color. Darker colors are suitable for heat retention while lighter ones allow more heat loss, effectively cooling a room. Generally, drapes should be hung close to the window and should be of adequate length to prevent drafts from wafting into the room. All draperies in the home need to be closed during cold months to keep existing heat within the rooms.