With the rising costs of fuel in the United States people�s wallets aren�t only taking hits at the gas pump, but they are also taking hits on their home or apartment utility bills. However, there is good news for the energy consumer. The United States Department of Energy has reported that window treatments such as cellular shades can reduce energy waste and therefore energy costs by some 20 percent each year. The average family can save around $325 per year on energy costs by using energy efficient window coverings.
�Nowadays you have to save as much money as possible to pay for the rising costs of fuel,� says Harry Delp, an expert on window shades and window treatments. �It only makes sense to install shades that have been proven by the United States Department of Energy to save you money.�The first suggestion are cellular shades. They are the kings of insulation, period. Put these up in your windows and you will have dramatically improved the insulation of your windows. Cellular shades are constructed with honeycomb shaped air cells - that's what gives them their insulating properties. They are available in single and double cell (technically there are triple cell cellular shades but, they're hard to find these days). If you want more style options, consider cellular roman shades, which is one of the latest innovations in window shades. These shades are constructed with a single cell lining.To get the most insulation out of the window shades mentioned above (cellular shades & roman shades), it is best if they are mounted on the inside of the window frame (inside mount) as opposed to outside mount. You want the shade as close to the window surface as possible. Plantation shutters are always mounted this way and this, plus their mass, is why they provide great insulation.Since its founding in 2000, Ellery has successfully grown into a diversified global sourcing and distribution platform with a strong portfolio of proprietary, private-label and licensed brands selling into the home furnishings market. The Company’s blue-chip customer base includes many of the largest retailers in North America. Ellery, based in New York City, has demonstrated significant growth through the Great Recession thanks to its focus on product innovation, high-quality designs and unparalleled supply chain execution.If none of the aforementioned shades fit your design style, another option for energy efficiency are plantation shutters. Plantation shutters offer insulation by virtue of their mass. They can be purchased in vinyl (PVC), wood composite (real wood covered in a thermal polymer) or hardwood. Shutters are unique amongst other window treatments in that they will actually add value to your home. It should e no surprise that, of all the options, listed in this article, they are the most expensive. That said, they are can be a very beautiful addition to any room, lending a classic, timeless look.Cellular shades are available in room darkening, light filtering, and complete blackout. They are available in 3/8�, 12� and 34� cells. Cellular shades have air pockets between the layers of fabric which trap air and prevent escape. The more cells, the higher the R-value.
Cellular shades can be purchased conveniently through the Internet which will save you even more with the rising costs of fuel. Some websites selling cellular shades and other window coverings offer free shipping on all orders within the main 48 states.
Author: Harry Delp
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