Save Energy & Save Money With Window Treatments

When it comes to reducing expenses on home heating, people try everything from doubling up on sweaters to blocking the bottoms of their front doors to avoid cranking up that thermostat, especially in this tough economic climate. One thing often overlooked is how an investment in window treatments can actually save a great deal AND give your home the new look it deserves!


Believe it or not, 50% of Solar Heat enters through your window and 40% of heat escapes through it. That means while 50% of your heat gain is through your open windows, your heating system has to provide 50% of the workload!

An option like solar shades, honeycomb shades or  other window treatment option can reject incoming heat in the summer and retain heat in the winter, drastically cutting your energy bills. Changes in temperature results in energy spikes and, therefore, higher energy use. In fact, from 2009-2011, purchasing custom window coverings allowed up to a $1500 tax credit from the federal government, thanks to a stimulus bill, to encourage Americans to "go green" and consume less.

Aside from Federal Tax Credits and reducing your energy costs, having an energy efficient window treatment installed can:

• Reduce fading of interior furniture 
• Reduce Glare by 90%
• Result in more consistent temperatures
• Give your home an updated, elegant look
• Be motorized to provide convenience

Fashion can meet energy efficiency. Let's take a quick look at different options!


Sheerweave:  Sheerweave Shades are yarns that are coated with vinyl and woven into an inconspicuous mesh fabric. They reduce glare and help control solar heat making any room a comfortable environment. The "difussed" look is more decorative than solar shades.

• Undistorted Vision.
• Washable.
• Daytime Privacy!
• One Way Vision Lets You See Outside!
• Reduces Glare!
• Filters 95% of the Sun Load.
• Blocks Ultra Violet Light.
• Clutch System Makes Operation Easy.
• Designer colors to meet any decorating requirement.

Solar Shades:  Solar Shades are the best energy saving option! Mylar Film Solar Shades are available in a wide selection of colors. These shades have an aluminum coating laminated between two glare-reducing sheets of Mylar Film. 99% of ultraviolet rays are rejected, heat is reduced by 74%, and glare is reduced by 90%. They provide daytime privacy, eliminating vision from the street side.






 

Cellular Shades: From 2009-2011, manufacturers of these energy efficient options promoted them as a way to get a Federal Tax Credit.  Honeycomb shades are available in both vertical and horizontal pleats and come in a variety of fabric and color choices. Blackout shades are ideal for an infant's room, light sensitive areas, home theaters,  and offices where privacy is key. Also known as "privacy shades," these are a great option for those looking for optimal control over the amount of light entering a room.


Wooden/Vinyl Blinds: Even something as simple as blinds can offer insulation, light filtering, and the ability to block out heat when the weather becomes warm. Granted, these options don't offer quite the same look or efficiency that other products can provide, but they are still an option some people might choose to go with. 


No matter what option you choose to go with, you can find a wide variety of options through Shutter Shack. With over 40 years of experience, we can help you solve your heating, lighting or other issues without compromising style. You can even e-mail us shuttershk@gmail.com with a picture of your window and we'll show you before ordering what your window will look like with various interior and exterior shutter options!