The buzzword of the year is energy conservation, and along with CFL bulbs and energy efficient appliances, you can also conserve electricity via preventing the loss of heat in winter, and keep your home cool in summers.
Here are some options you can consider.
Blackout Blinds
Designed to be opaque in dark solid shades like blue, blackout blinds fit close to the window frame within vertical “runners”. The blinds are sealed with a rubber seal and brush. They are tested for energy-saving potential by the British Board of Agrément, and can reduce heat (in single-glazed windows), by as much as 43%. These are very easy to fit and install, provided you have precise measurements for the vertical runners attached to the window frame. You’ll need to shut them at night to cut out light and prevent heat loss, but open them in the day to allow the winter sun to come in. This means they aren’t great for the winter days. You could look for a natural finish to suit your decor needs.
Interlined Roman Blind
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye, these are great in warmer colors which allow a bit of sunlight in via the warm interlined blind. It hugs the window better than a curtain, and won’t let the heat escape via the radiators placed below windows. It blocks out draughts, but there are small passages for air around the edges and bottom of the blinds. It’s incredibly easy to fit, and can be simply pressed to the window frame. For roller blinds, Sydney homeowners have become fans of the stylish new inventory at http://www.shuttersaustralia.com.au/.
Drapery
A drapery is a more aesthetic option to check heat loss. However, there’s a lot you need to consider while investing in one, including fabric type and color. During summer months, you can close draperies on windows that receive direct reducing heat gains by up to 33%. With their pleats and folds losing heat from convection, they also remain cool in the summer months. In the winter months, they’re as effective as 10% in reducing heat loss from a warm room. They they can supplement shutters or blinds.
Pop in Shutters
Also known as insulating window panel, they comprise a rigid foam board insulation. It can be clipped to a window interior, and seal up against a window frame. It can be sealed with magnetic tape or Velcro. These are incredibly easy to install – you don’t need hardware, or to work with hinges or latches. You can install from a kit, or make your own. However, they may not look as great as blinds, and you’ll have to store them when they’re not in use.
Window Shades
One of the simplest solution for energy savings, they should be installed close to the window for a sealed air space. Lower them on sunlit summer day, and raise them on sunny winter days to allow the sun in. Dual shades are a great idea – reflective on one side and dark on the other to absorb the heat and this can be reversed according to the season. Plantation aluminium shutters, retailed at a great discount at Shutters Australia, are a great bet for the summer.
