There are many reasons why you should look into reducing your use of windows when it comes to increasing the energy efficiency of your home. Not only will you save extra money on your monthly electric bill, but the energy that’s lost from your windows will be recaptured when you install more efficient window treatments—including energy-efficient windows—into your home. Windows, especially in older homes and apartments, have a much higher tendency to leak hot air than they should. This heat is what leaks into your living space, leaving you feeling very uncomfortable and at risk for sickness and disease.
Here are just a few ways on how windows affect your energy consumption at home.
Reduce Wasted Energy
In some cases, you may be surprised to find that the heat that’s escaping from your windows is not all coming from the windows. The actual heating system inside your home is the culprit leaking that excess heat all over your home. Thus, it’s up to you as a homeowner to take steps to prevent this incident from happening again.
One way to reduce the amount of energy that’s being wasted from your windows is to install energy-efficient windows that are better insulated than the older models you currently have in your house. If you have wooden windows, then you’ll find them more effective in absorbing the heat from the sun, compared to solid vinyl windows. You can also add energy-efficient windows that will help the heat escape from your windows instead of letting it stay within the house.
Improve Temperature And Air Flow
Experimenting with or adjusting window treatments is one of the tricks to help maximize the use of your windows and cut down on your energy consumption as well. The type of treatments that are applied to windows has a major impact on how much energy that goes around.
Likewise, you should look for a company that uses green products for your windows and doors, as these products can improve the performance of your windows as well as the environment. Window shutters also allow for better airflow, preventing the build-up of dust inside the house and helping reduce the consumption of energy at the same time.
Sunroom window treatments are an ideal choice if you like the look of a traditional sunroom, but you also want to save on energy costs. Some sunroom windows offer solar heaters, which are integrated into the frame of the window covering. These heaters allow for a warm summer breeze to enter the room while keeping the inside temperature regulated.
The sunroom set-up would result in less energy used on heating, and also less noise is generated from the outside. This is ideal for people concerned about their environment but still like the feel of a typical stylish sunroom. However, it may cost a little more than the other types of window treatments, not to mention the set-up would only work during the summer.
In addition, previous interior design consultants could have given you advice that you followed, namely providing windows with blinds or curtains that don’t allow any light in. Such set-ups will indeed also help cut down on the amount of energy being consumed during the day. With your bathrooms, though, you might be worried that your windows or blinds might get wet, and you’ll spend more energy and electricity washing the blinds. With that, you can get waterproof blind for bathroom window structures instead.
Provide Shade From The Sun
Translucent window coatings are also energy efficient, offering energy savings year-round, without any drawbacks. They do not only insulate your windows from the elements, but they also reflect light, allowing your room to stay cooler in the evening. Because of this, you won’t need to turn on your air conditioning system all the time. In addition, this won’t prevent light from coming into your home. So, you can still opt not to turn on your lights and save further on electricity.
Reduce Conduction Heat Loss
A large number of homes in the U.S. these days are being built with windows that allow the interior to be cooler during the summer months, as well as warmer during the winter months. Many people have been installing windows to combat this problem, but what they don’t realize is that many windows, especially multi-paned windows, also allow some heat loss or gain to occur.
This is because not all windows allow air and moisture to properly flow through them, leaving the room feeling colder than it really is. This is especially true in multi-pane windows that allow air to pass through them, but not water or moisture. This can lead to excessive heat loss and even high energy consumption, putting a real dent in a home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
Prevent Air Leaks
Windows that are properly installed can help cut down on the amount of air loss in the house, as well as the amount of heat lost or gained. These windows will not only increase the home’s energy efficiency but the comfort levels in the home as well, making it more comfortable to live in.
The installation process is often relatively simple and affordable, allowing even the most financially strapped homeowner to install their window treatments. Windows are one of the best ways to help lower your energy bills while providing the home with the warmth and light it needs in the wintertime, as well as helping to keep the heat out of the house in the summer.
Conclusion
If you feel like there’s no way you can install an energy-efficient window treatment in your home without spending a lot of money, then the best thing you can do is to invest in one or a group of them. You can buy a set package of energy-efficient windows for your entire home that includes window treatments, shades, blinds, and more for an affordable price. If you want more energy-efficient windows for just one room or part of your home, then you can purchase them separately. Either way, the more you save on your monthly energy bills, the better off you will be financially in the long run.
