Everyone wants a nice home with lots of windows to let light in and make the rooms look larger. But, windows can also be a way that cold and heat to invade a home. It is important to have the correct energy-efficient windows installed and then make them more energy efficient with the right window coverings. Window coverings also add to the beauty of a home as part of the decor.
One Window Treatment Choice Is window Films
Windows can let the sun’s UV rays enter the home and fade furniture, art, and flooring. Covering them with shades and draperies will close the rooms and cut off the nice natural light, but installing the right window film will keep out the UV rays without blocking the light or the outdoor views. Everyone has that one window or windows that cause glare at some point in the day. That glare can ruin TV viewing or other activities, but installing window film can eliminate the glare.
If a home has older, single-pane windows, a lot of energy can be wasted, causing the heating and cooling bills to be higher than they need to be. But, getting all the windows replaced is a costly renovation. The homeowner can save energy costs by installing or having window treatment services install window films designed to make the windows more energy efficient.
Some values of quality window films and tinting include:
- Reducing energy costs and keeping rooms cool or warm, depending on the season
- Limiting window glare, making rooms more comfortable
- Eliminating ultraviolet light so interior finishes don’t fade as fast
- Adding privacy to rooms
- Strengthening window glass
Because window films come in different strengths and tones from clear to dark, they can serve many purposes. Window films also come in patterns like frosted glass and stained glass to add to home decor. The value of window films is in their ability to save energy and money and reduce sun glare. Window films are great for those windows where homeowners do not want to use drapes or other window coverings that might block views.
Different Window Coverings To Use On Home Windows
There are different types of window coverings to control the light and energy loss from windows. These window treatments also add to the beauty of the home’s decor. Choosing the right window coverings adds beauty and energy savings to a home. Homeowners can use window films along with these window coverings.
An outside window treatment used to control the sun and solar heat is window awnings in light colors. The best ones can be rolled up or retracted in the winter to let in the sun for solar gain. They can reduce heat from the sun by up to 77%. But, they do not add to the home decor.
Curtains and drapes can be opened and closed to control light and heat gain or loss depending on the season. How well they work depends on the fabric, linings, and installation.
Window shades of different materials and styles can be rolled up to let light in or rolled down to keep heat, glare, or cold out. How well they work depends on a proper fit and installation. They are either up or down.
Window blinds are not as effective for heat control because of their horizontal slats and space between them. But, they can be adjusted to control light, glare, and ventilation. Wood blinds are attractive. The slats on blinds can be adjusted so they can be down and yet let in light.
Window shutters are attached to a window frame with horizontal slats in a framework. They can have fixed or movable slats and do not move up or down. They fold across a window. Shutters can be made of wood or of poly resins.
