When you first start searching for suitable window treatments for your home, you might focus on aesthetic concerns like colors, textures, and so on that represent your personal style and elevate your interior design. From there you’ll probably look for features like blackout properties that offer you optimal control over lighting and privacy.
However, you might be surprised to learn that your window treatments can do a lot more. They can significantly contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs and allowing you to better regulate your indoor environment. In case you didn’t know, windows can be a huge source of energy waste in both hot and cold environments.
Of course, certain climates can also wreak havoc on your window dressings if you choose the wrong materials. How can you select the right window treatments for your climate? Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you make a final decision.
Deflecting the Sun
Some climates enjoy year-round sunshine, which is great if you love outdoor activities and you’re keen to soak up plenty of vitamin D. The problem, of course, is that you may have to pay for cooling to keep your home comfortable throughout a big chunk of the year. How can your window treatments help to regulate interior temperature and reduce cooling costs?
You’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of options for solar protection, including solar blinds and shades, and even exterior options for added protection. These window treatments are designed to allow diffuse light in during the day, unlike blackout blinds and shades, so you can still enjoy natural light. However, they work to deflect the sun’s harmful UV rays that produce heat and fade surfaces in your home.
In some cases, you can even find options that are semi-transparent, allowing you to continue enjoying the view outdoors even while you reduce heat gain inside your home. These are great options for homeowners and business owners in sunny climes who want the best of both worlds.
Keeping Out the Cold
Unfortunately, there are plenty of regions that experience cold, winter weather as a counterpart to the warm days of summer. In this case, you’ll want window treatments designed to keep freezing temperatures outside and reduce your heating costs. Layered or thermal drapes, blinds, and shades could all help, and shutters made from wood or composite are naturally non-conductive.
Dealing with Humidity
Window treatments generally aren’t designed specifically to combat humidity, but certain window coverings are less likely to suffer warp, rot, mold, or mildew in moist conditions. You’ll probably want to avoid real wood, natural fibers, and flimsy textiles. Instead, choose composites, synthetic textiles, and high-quality products that are designed to hold up to moisture and last for years.
The Blinds Side has the expertise and reliable manufacturing partners to help you choose the perfect window treatments for your climate and for every room in your home or office. Contact us today at 410-630-6940 or [email protected] to schedule your consultation and get started.