subject: Understanding Energy Efficient Shades [print this page] The weather is cooling down and many are starting to turn on the heat in their homes, dreading high-energy bills. There is a way to save money on heating without paying a huge price for energy bills. Installing energy efficient blinds or shades insulates homes so not as much heat is needed. Energy efficient shades sometimes qualify for a federal tax credit for energy efficiency.
A single pane window can cause warm air to seep out of a house and let drafts and cold air in. In fact, using energy efficient shades can be five times more effective at keeping cold air out than regular windowpanes. Almost all window treatments create some sort of insulating barrier, however, the following are some for the most efficient insulating shades on the market.
* U.V. Protection Shades. These shades are designed to keep UV rays out of the home. They are great insulators and will protect furniture and flooring from fading.
* Temperature Control Shades. Control your energy use and room temps with energy efficient shades! The Cellular shade pattern offers a unique insulating barrier from your home and outside.
* Light Diffusing Shades. Light diffusing means you sill get privacy within a home as well as getting natural light. They help keep temperatures steady.
* Energy Smart Shades. These are cellular shades that are energy smart. The cellular structure is intended to keep cold air out in the winter and cool air inside during the summer.
Energy Smart shades are usually single or double cell shades. Cell shades are created like a bee's honeycomb. This creates pockets in the window treatment that captures cold or warm air. Double cell shades often qualify buyers for a federal tax credit. They provide excellent insulation. There are generally two varieties of honeycomb shade - light filtering and blackout. Light filtering means you get privacy without losing light. Blackout means you are in the dark. Some double cell shades have an insulating sidetrack system for additional insulating protection.
Energy Smart Fusion Shades include EnviroFusion Textured Linen Roman Shades. Fusion roman shades are two window treatments in one. Specially designed with a cellular shade liner, Fusion roman shades add a layer of energy efficient insulation. Fusion fabric roman shades, created with a flat panel design, provide a luxurious eye-catching cascade shade.
Energy Saving Solar Screen Shades are represented by the Smart Weave line of roller shades: these include Eclipse Roller Shades, Pfifer SheerWeave Roller Shades, AlumaScreen Solar Shades, EcoGreen Roller and Solar Shades and Tavarua Sunscreen Bamboo Roller Shades. Each energy efficient shade in this line offers UV protection and cut UV rays by close to 100%.
Many energy efficient shades serve more than one purpose. For example, light-filtering blinds can also be insulating blinds. Solar Screen shades filter light while cutting UV rays. Each of the above mentioned window treatments will help cut energy costs and will increase the value of the home.
Those living in a sunny atmosphere might want solar screen shades, while those who are used to freezing temperatures and snow might want to consider maximum energy efficiency with double cell or honeycomb shades. EnviroFusion Roman Shades will also help protect a home offering beauty and practicality. Head to your on-line dealer today and order new shades to best suit your insulating needs.
