BUDGET BLINDS® OFFERS ENERGY SAVING TIPS TO HOMEOWNERS

As homeowners across the country prepare to make improvements to their homes this spring, many are thinking in two particular shades of green –environmentally friendly and fiscally sound.

The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling accounts for nearly 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense in most households. One of the simplest ways to reduce your heating and cooling needs and costs is by using your window treatments. The US Department of Energy reports that heat gain can be reduced by as much as 45% (US Department of Energy, Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy).

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing window treatments:

-All window coverings can help reduce heat gain when they are used.

-All window coverings have insulating properties; however, some products and
materials are better at the job than others.

-Shutters and cellular shades are great insulators. They help rooms retain cool air during the summer and warm air in during the winter by preventing heat exchange at the window surface.

-Thermal lining used in panels and Roman shades increases heat retention and
reduces heat loss, thereby cutting heating requirements.

-Solar fabrics and window film are great choices to cut your A/C requirement.

-Window film has been reported to reduce air conditioning costs by as much as 30-40%.

If you plan on purchasing new window treatments or are remodeling, ask about motorized treatments. Certain motorization packages allow homeowners to program the operation of their window treatments to prevent the summer sun from heating rooms during the afternoon, which causes the air conditioner to work harder to maintain desired temperatures.

Homeowners looking to lessen the number of chemicals in their homes can ask about GREENGUARD certified products. Budget Blinds proudly carries a number of GREENGUARD certified window treatments, which include roller shades, shutters and blinds. Products that have been GREENGUARD certified meet the institute’s stringent standards for low-emitting products.

Budget Blinds has a variety of solutions for those homeowners who wish to purchase environmentally-friendly products. Budget Blinds carries a wide variety of products made from recycled or renewable resources, including: window treatments made from woven woods, cotton, silk or composite wood and beautiful area rugs made from wool, sisal, mountain grass and seagrass.

Whether you want to cut energy use, create a healthier indoor environment or purchase products that encourage conservation, your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant can help you find the window coverings that meet your needs and perform beautifully.