When it comes to choosing window coverings that are everything they’re cracked up to be, there are certainly plenty of reasons to go with blinds instead of simply relying on curtains. After all, blinds are affordable and convenient. They also add a truly unique look to a room, as they come in a variety of different styles. They’re certainly fantastic when it comes to guarding your privacy against prying eyes.
However, did you know that a good set of blinds can actually save you a fair amount of money when it comes to your power bill as well? This is especially the case when it comes to both bitter winter cold and high summer temperatures, but it’s important to note that blinds can help you save energy and keep your energy costs low all year round, making them one of the most practical possible choices when it comes to modern options in window coverings.
How Blinds Help Insulate Your Home
As far as how blinds help to keep your energy costs as low as possible, it all boils down to the science of insulation. If you’re in the habit of keeping your windows uncovered, the exposed glass can make it extremely difficult to keep your home effectively temperature controlled. In the winter time, precious heat escapes through glass, causing you to have to run your heaters more often and for longer at a time to keep warm. In the summer, glass can also magnify the heat of natural sunlight as it enters the window.
Blinds help provide a barrier between your window glass and the interior of your actual home. This allows you to have the control necessary to turn the science behind glass-related temperature changes into an asset, instead of an inconvenience. In fact, blinds – when used properly – can save you up to 25% on your power costs. That’s quite a pretty penny, especially during winter and summer!
When You Should Close Your Blinds
When the mercury rises in the summer time and you need to crank up the old A/C in order to keep cool, you should also make sure to close your blinds. This helps prevent the hot summer sunlight from penetrating your window glass and counteracting the cooling effects of your air conditioning by reheating the room, a phenomenon known as “solar heat gain”. You’ll quickly find that you won’t need to run your air conditioning as long or as often when you do this, resulting in drastically lowered power bills.
Closing your blinds in the winter helps you insulate your windows against the bitter cold outside, preventing heat loss and allowing you to minimize the amount you run your heater. Take extra care to make sure all of your blinds are closed at night, as this is when the greatest degree of heat loss tends to occur.
When You Should Open Your Blinds
Knowing when to open your blinds can also be incredibly helpful when it comes to saving energy. Sunny winter days are excellent examples, as you can take advantage of passive solar heating to help warm up your home. (This is especially effective in rooms that feature floors or walls made of materials that help conduct and absorb heat, like tile.)
There are times in the summer when opening your blinds can help as well. Try waiting until the hot sun finally sets for the night. This can help trapped heat escape more quickly, leaving your air conditioner with a little less work to do.
Choosing Blinds with Energy Conservation in Mind
Many people make the mistake of thinking that blinds are a one-size-fits-all type of item when there’s actually quite a lot of variety available out there. Some styles are made specifically with energy conservation in mind.
For instance, many modern manufacturers offer reflective blinds as an option. Reflective blinds actually help to redirect both light and heat in the optimal direction. Many are actually double-sided with a highly absorptive surface on the reverse. The reflective side of the blind should always be facing toward the source of heat. This means that it should face outward in the summer to help keep your interior cool and inward in the winter when you’re looking to retain precious heat. Thousands of people find them incredibly effective and all have enjoyed reduced heating and cooling costs as a result.
At the end of the day, saving money on your energy bills is far from impossible. However, it does take a little know-how and some creative thinking when it comes to how you set up your home. Adding the right blinds to the mix is a great way to get things started on the right foot.
Michael Gubby is the owner of iSeek Blinds, a leading online retailer selling high end blinds at affordable prices. Michael understands blinds and their various benefits. He has developed manufacturing techniques that allow the best quality sutom products. To learn more about Michael visit his company site https://www.iseekblinds.com.au
