Simple Savings - Window Treatments

Ideally after your retrofit is complete, your house will have dual paned windows with UV filtering glass in the right places.  Window replacement is quite expensive and is generally the last step in a phased remodel.  The whole low hanging fruit and bang for your buck idea.  In the meantime, there are first steps to help you stay comfortable and save energy.

Well designed window treatments can go a long way to cutting your energy and saving you money.  Heat moves to cold, so depending on the situation or time of year, you will use different strategies.  Thermal lined drapes or roman shades are best for keeping the heat in during the winter.  Open them up during the day to let the sun warm the room and close them tight after the sun goes down.  There are special thermal lining products on the market and an additional flannel interlining can increase the insulation.  In the summer, it is best to keep the sunlight off of the window rather than block it once it in inside.  Outdoor solar roller shades, permanent overhangs, or deciduous plants can help block the summer heat when well designed.