Summer is almost upon us and depending where you are, you may already be dusting off your fan and switching to your lighter bedding. As the weather warms up, we often feel inclined to run the air conditioning unit in attempts to keep our home at the comfortable temperature we have become accustomed to in the cooler months. Though effective, 40% of the energy used in a home escapes through the windows so simply by adding the right window furnishings for your unique style and budget, you can reduce your power bill by up to 70%.
As the sun’s UV rays radiate through our windows, they will transfer heat into our homes. With well fitted window furnishing this light will reflect off the back off the fabric, repelling the heat and is best achieved with finishings with light-coloured backing. Choosing to opt for window furnishings that will reduce heat gain will provide ongoing reduction in your energy costs as they also work to prevent heat loss in the cooler months. Correctly fitted window dressings create a pocket of air between the window and the finishing resulting in an insulation barrier.
Cellular blinds
Image credit: Davidson Blinds
As one of the most popular window finishings, cellular blinds provide the highest level of insulation due to the combination of their tightly woven fabric and how well they fit within the window cavity. Compared to Roman shades and roller blinds, cellular blinds are the most versatile window finishing in terms of aesthetic and your overall goals. Light levels in the house can be managed by the opacity of the blind from sheer to block out and often single or double cell so you have the best of both worlds. Blinds have evolved where you now have the options of cordless, adding greater safety features than corded blinds around small children and motorised with the convenience of being incorporated into your smart home. For the most effective heat reduction aim to have the blinds drawn between 10am and 3pm, particularly on north facing windows as they will receive the most UV exposure.
Plantation Shutters
Image credit: Watson Blinds & Awnings
Timeless, clean and seamless, plantation shutters are always a good idea. As the shutters must be custom fitted to each of your windows, they provide an extremely effective insulation barrier. While providing heat reducing benefits, shutters also add a layer of security to your home adding a physical barrier with locking systems for an intruder trying to enter through the window. Plantation shutters are considered a permanent fixture to your home and are often quite desirable due to their timeless design, for this reason they can be included in your property’s evaluation, increasing the value of your home.
Awnings
Image credit: Bob Burns Blinds
Automatic, wire guard, pivot, fixed or folding arm; all awnings will provide premium energy efficiency by preventing sunlight from reaching the external glass on your windows, stopping the issue of overheating before it can begin. Awnings can be motorised and incorporated into your smart home to control the light throughout the day but also to help protect your home against the other elements even while at work or away on holiday. Awnings are available in a variety of fabrics and colours, making them a stylish addition to your home and outdoor entertaining areas.
With the weather starting to heat up and summer just on the horizon, beat the summer rush and contact one of our knowledgeable experts to help find the perfect window treatment for you.
Your Fashionline team.
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