subject: Protecting Greenhouses with Window Treatments [print this page] Protecting Greenhouses with Window Treatments
If you have a green house, then you know how much light and warmth they let in during the winter. I have one and it is the source of heat for the majority of my house in the winter. However, on cloudy days or during the night, greenhouses that have single and even double paned glass can leak warm air out into the cold night. In the summer, without glare reducing blinds, the heat from a greenhouse can be sweltering. This in turn can increase air conditioning costs.
Learning how to use window treatments to your advantage can help save a lot of money in the long run. One tip for the winter season is to raise window treatments when it's sunny, allowing the sun to naturally heat the home. When the sun goes down, lower the blinds to trap warm air in. In the summer, you want to do the reverse. Keep window treatments lowered during the heat of the day to keep the heat out. At night, raise window treatments and open windows to let the outside air naturally cool your residence.
Since summer is just around the corner, people looking to install window treatments for greenhouses might want to think about these options:
Window treatments to protect Greenhouses:
EnergyTrack 3/8" Translucent Double Cell Shades. Their one of a kind sidetrack system literally seals the window against drafts. They offer the best insulation on the market and their performance ranks five times higher than a typical single pane window. There is also a foam seal at the top of the blinds to further reduce heat loss or heat gain.
SlumberShade 3/8" Blackout Double Cell Shades. The National Sleep Foundation had good reason to choose these as their official window shades. SlumberShades use a blackout material along with sidetracks and top to bottom protection to not only keep out the weather outside, but also to keep the light out. They can be easily adjusted during the day.
Plantation Shutters. Because of their natural wood appearance, these window treatments are prefect for continuing the natural theme of a Greenhouse. They can be adjusted to increase or decrease light through slats. They have a selection of stains and paints to choose from. Composite shutters and vinyl shutters are available and it's easy to find some that are made in the USA.
If you can, we recommend purchasing custom made window treatments. One size fits all does definitely not fit all windows. Greenhouse windows are generally odd sizes and for maximum energy efficiency, you want blinds that will fit. Be sure you know how to measure your windows properly for the type of blinds you are purchasing. You'll find great energy savings and well as a more comfortable home with greenhouse window treatments.
