If you are living in the US, get ready to manage high utility bills. According to the latest survey, an average household spends almost more than $2,000 per year on energy bills. What if we find a way to save on electricity bills that hit us due to heating and cooling mechanisms?
Yes, installing window blinds can solve the problem. But how? Let’s find out together the various ways window blinds can help reduce energy consumption and not forget some practical tips to find the suitable option. Here you go!
Save on Energy Bills With Window Blinds- Practical Solution
Who does not want to save hard-earned money from spending on the high cost of energy bills? Everyone does! Here are the benefits of window blinds that offer practical solutions for the problem. See the cost analysis of window blinds.
Reduce Solar Heat Gain in Summer
The scorching heat of summer comes from the windows heavily and heats the house, which can increase the temperature, and the air conditioning mechanism needs to work hard to moderate the atmosphere.
It results in high energy bills. However, having blinds on windows can solve the problem because they reflect the sunlight entering the room. Here are some suitable options for the purpose:
- Light-colored blinds: The best ones are Venetian or roller blinds because they reflect the sunlight from your windows. These blinds work by reducing solar gain, which lowers indoor temperatures and reduces the need for air conditioning. You can keep the blinds closed during the day and save on energy bills.
- Thermal or blackout blinds: They are thick in design and block out the UV rays and heat from coming in. You can even add the thermal lining beneath your blinds, which acts as a layer of insulation to prevent heat from escaping in the winter.
Minimize Heat Loss in Winter
Blinds also keep your home cool in the summer because they keep the warmth during winter. Just like heat from the window, it goes out from there in colder months. If you choose the right types of blinds and insulate your home, you can save the high heating cost.
- Cellular (honeycomb) blinds: They can save cost due to their unique design that traps air in pockets within the blinds. It creates an insulating layer that reduces heat transfer. Studies and surveys show that cellular shades can reduce heat loss by up to 40% in winter.
- Blackout and thicker fabric blinds: They are also effective if your home is located in a cold area because they offer insulation by stopping heat from going out through windows. Simply close these blinds as soon as the sun sets to trap the day’s warmth indoors.
Use the Blinds Strategically
Here is another practical solution to make the best use of blinds because maximizing energy savings with window blinds isn’t just about the type of blinds you install. You should know when to open and close blinds, which can impact your home’s energy efficiency.
During hot months, keep blinds closed during the day. This blocks direct sunlight and keeps the room cooler and reduces the need for air conditioning.
In winter, get the benefit of sunlight by opening blinds during the day, especially on south-facing windows, to let in the natural warmth to your home. It can reduce the need for heating. After the sunset, close the blinds to trap the warmth indoors.
If this management is hard for you, simply install the beneficial smart blinds. You can program them to open and close automatically based on the time of day or temperature. This way, your home remains energy-efficient without requiring daily attention.
Choose the Right Blinds for Maximum Efficiency
There are different types of blinds that serve unique purposes according to their materials and design. Here are a few of the best options available at Couvrant Window Blinds:
Cellular (Honeycomb) Blinds
It is a highly energy-efficient option because the honeycomb structure traps air and creates a barrier that insulates against both heat and cold. This makes them ideal for homes in both hot and cold climates.
Venetian Blinds
These blinds have adjustable horizontal slats that can precisely control the amount of light entering a room. In summer, you can tilt the slats to block direct sunlight while still allowing airflow. However, they are less effective at insulating against heat loss in winter compared to thicker blinds.
Blackout Blinds
The best feature of blackout blinds is provided by its material that blocks out light and provides extra insulation. They work best both in the summer and winter seasons by keeping away heat and keeping intact heat.
Roller Blinds
Roller blinds made from thermal fabrics are an excellent choice for reducing heat gain. They are available in a range of styles and fabrics, including blackout options, making them versatile and effective year-round.
Wooden and Faux Wood Blinds
Wooden blinds also offer natural insulation. Faux wood blinds provide a similar effect but are more resistant to moisture, so install them in bathrooms and kitchens.
Additional Energy-Saving Tips
Still, you are not satisfied? Consider combining blinds with other window treatments, such as curtains or drapes. The layering of window covering can provide additional insulation and better control over temperature and light.
You can combine cellular blinds with heavy curtains to reduce both heat loss and gain. To save more cost on energy bills, you can install window films on the glass because it can block out UV rays and reduce heat transfer through the window.
Final Words
Window blinds are not an expensive treatment, and if they are, then there is no problem because they offer the long-term benefit of saving costs on energy bills all year. Just pick up the right choice of blinds and install them from professionals, then see the difference.