How to Improve the Home’s Energy Efficiency

Homeowners will constantly look for ways to improve their home’s energy efficiency. However, factors such as the weather, humidity, poor insulation, and drafts can affect your home’s energy efficiency. Moreover, when left unchecked, these can end up costing a lot of money and affect your quality of life. Establishing an energy-efficient home not only helps you save money in the long run, but also lets you do your bit for the planet.

What is Energy Efficiency?

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute defines energy efficiency as using less energy to do the same tasks. When you eliminate energy waste, you’re not only helping the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, but you’re also lowering your utility bills and saving hundreds of dollars annually. On a larger scale, an energy-efficient home can provide long-term benefits by lowering the overall demand for electricity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Energy.One of the best benefits of an energy-efficient home is its higher resale value. More and more buyers are becoming more environmentally conscious and search for homes that are eco-friendly by being energy efficient. Having an energy-efficient home also lets you and your family enjoy better indoor air quality, giving you a better quality of life.

Investing in Energy Efficient Window Treatments

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home can lose 30% of its heating energy through its windows. During cooler seasons, up to 76% of sunlight that falls on standard windows end up becoming heat. Aside from keeping your windows properly sealed and insulated, one of the easiest ways to make your home energy efficient is by having energy efficient window treatments installed. Aside from being a beautiful addition to your home, these let natural light into your home while keeping it cool. They can also prevent heat loss and heat gain, saving you money and energy all year round.These energy efficient window treatments do more than just insulate your home. They can provide protection against harmful UV rays with their UV filtering feature. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can affect your home’s interiors, causing damage to furnishings such as floors, furniture, fabrics, and artwork. Energy efficient window treatments have a “% UV blockage” rating, where the higher the rating, the greater the UV protection they provide. Hunter Douglas window coverings have an 86% or more UV blockage capacity, providing you and your home with optimal protection from UV rays. Moreover, they’re kid- and pet-friendly, so you and your family can enjoy UV protection and energy efficiency with peace of mind.Types of Window TreatmentsWindow coverings offer plenty of flexibility for the home. They can be opened or closed, allowing you to control the level of privacy. You’re also able to maximize the amount of natural light that comes into your home. There are several types of window treatments that can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. These include shades, blinds, curtains, and shutters. Other types of energy efficient window treatments are:

•       Insulated cellular shades

These types of coverings have the highest R-value compared to other window coverings. In heating seasons, they can help reduce heat loss by up to 40% or more, enabling you to save around 20% when it comes heating energy.

•       Window quilts

A more cost-effective option than cellular shades, they have a snug fit on windows, which helps give them a higher R-value.

•       Window films

Window films are a great option if you’re looking to combat solar heat gain, glare, and UV exposure. In cooling seasons, they’re also able to block the sun’s heat. How effective your selected reflective film will depend on several factors, including climate and window size.You can also check out exterior window coverings, such as shutters, shades, awnings, and solar window screens.How to Choose the Best Energy Efficient Window TreatmentsFinding the right type of window treatment for your home can be tough, especially with all the different types and styles available. But before anything else, you want to determine the purpose of the window treatment. Are you getting it to keep out UV rays? Do you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency? Is it for aesthetic purposes?When choosing energy efficient window treatments, here are more factors to consider:

• The size and shape of your windows
• Functionality and style
• Your interior décor or style

Find out how window treatments can transform your home and get in touch with Regency Shutter & Shade today.

Other Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

If you’re in the process of designing or remodeling your home, then consider planning on making it an energy efficient space. Whether you’re designing a home, remodeling your old one, or trying to make your existing one more energy efficient, here are some helpful tips that you can follow to improve your home’s energy efficiency:

• Unplug your appliances when not in use
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances
• Check your insulation
• Maximize natural lighting
• Switch to LED or CFL bulbs
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Put an added layer of insulation in the attic
• Pay attention to your HVAC system