Introduction
Benefits
Equipment & Services
Hiring Contractors

1. Introduction

Thermal shades and draperies are very effective for insulating windows and improving comfort. The shades, draperies, or shutters are more effective if they are airtight or custom fitted, because they create a dead air space between themselves and the glass. The airtight seal also prevents warm, most indoor air from depositing condensation on the window glass.

The energy efficiency of window coverings is measured in R-values, like insulation. The higher the R-value, the more it will protect your home from heat loss. A shading co-efficient is an important measurement for summer cooling, and it indicates the window covering’s ability to shade against heat gain. The lower the number, the more effective the shade will protect your home from the summer sun.

2. Benefits

Energy Savings
Inefficient windows can add 10-25% to heating bills and up to a whopping 75% to summer air conditioning bills. Window coverings with a honeycomb or cellular construction can block up to 62% of the heat transfer through the window pane.

Comfortable Living
Standard window blinds have a R-1 value. Thermal or insulated window coverings can raise the R-value of a single-pane window from R-1 up to R-6, which will provide noticeably improved home comfort.

Increased Home Value
Not only does energy efficiency reduce energy bills, but remodeling upgrades pay for themselves in increased home value. According to the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine and REALTOR? Magazine, the national average cost recouped at sale of the home for the combined remodeling projects they track was 86.6% in 2005.

Conservation
Did you know that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you avoid using saves over two pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being released into the atmosphere?

UV Protection
Window treatments add another important benefit aside from insulation - UV protection. UV rays can damage your home's interior, including furnishings, artwork and heirlooms, and floors.

3. Equipment & Services

Those mini-blinds won’t do much to protect you from winter’s cold, but there are several alternatives that will keep heat from escaping through the windows.

• Cellular or honeycomb construction. The cells of a honeycomb shade actually trap the cold air, decreasing the intensity of the temperature as it enters the room. And this, in turn, helps minimize the amount of heat that's drawn toward your windows. Honeycomb shades have R-values between 2.0 and 4.8, and shading co-efficients between 0.44 and 0.21.
• Window quilts offer air and moisture-tight fabric along with 4-sided seals. Quilts have a R-value of 4.99 and a shading co-efficient between 0.23 and 0.14.
• Draperies and Roman Shades can be thermally lined to increase efficiency. R-values range from 3.0 to 5.0, with actual R-values dependent on fabric, lining and pleating.
• Hardwood shutters and wood blinds offer R-values between 2.77 and 3.17 and a shading co-efficient between 0.35 and 0.21.

4. Hiring Contractors

Visit our list of window coverings installers.

Questions to ask
If you decide to have window coverings custom-fitted for your home to maximize efficiency, make sure the installer has a thorough understanding of the energy efficiency properties described above. Determine the longevity of the company, and review the warranty information from the manufacturer and the installer to be sure you are covered both for product and installation defects.

Certifications
Window treatments are not part of the ENERGY STAR program, and do not have official energy standards or related certifications.

References, licensing, insurance
It is always important to speak with previous customers, check with the Better Business Bureau and ask for verification of the necessary licensing and insurance requirements. Download a home improvement hiring checklist from the Federal Trade Commission.

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