6 Energy-Efficient Window Styles

Different window styles or treatments add to the aesthetics of your house but also keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It makes them quite energy-efficient. As they are not too expensive, everyone should invest in some type of window treatment. 

There are several options for you to choose from depending on what suits your decor the best, and all of them will offer some form of cooling or warmth to your home.

The idea with window treatments is to keep the heat from the sun out and prevent the heat inside the home from escaping. Window treatments will help you save on your electricity bill as you will not have to use a cooling or heating system in your home for as long or on full blast. You can achieve it with most window treatment styles

1. Blinds

Blinds in Mississauga and the GTA come in various types and designs. They are a cost-effective way of making your home more energy efficient. While the interior blinds are not the best at preventing heat loss, they keep out the heat and provide just the right amount of sunlight. 

Blinds come in vertical and horizontal slats, with horizontal ones more suited for windows and tall vertical slats for doors. They allow you to control the amount of light that enters your home.

The highly reflective blinds are the best to keep the summer heat away. Furthermore, you can adjust horizontal blinds to reflect the sunlight onto the ceiling, which is great since light-coloured ceilings diffuse the light without too much glare. It disperses the heat but also lets you enjoy the natural daylight. 

For the best collection of blinds in Mississauga and GTA, contact us for a free estimate. 

2. Shades

Shades work great as an energy-saving window treatment and come in different styles. You can opt for cellular, roller, sheer, Roman, blackout, light-filtering shades, or even motorized ones. They look great and help you save on your electricity bills. 

Insulated cellular shades are the best at keeping heat away because of their multiple air layers in the honeycomb cross-section. The air pockets act as insulators and reduce heat conduction through the windows.

Furthermore, reversible shades have a dark colour on one side and white on the other, allowing it to work for both seasons. The dark colour can be pointed outside in the winter to absorb more heat, while the white side can be pointed outside in the summer to reflect the heat. 

However, all types of shades can only be effective if installed properly. They should be mounted as close to the glass as possible and with minimal gaps between the sides and the wall/ frame of the window. It creates a seal when you draw the shades, keeping the heat away. Lastly, shades must be drawn throughout the day to be the most effective. Call us to ensure a perfect installation for your shades. 

3. Shutters

Shutters are solid window coverings mounted inside or outside your windows. They are from wood, vinyl, or wood composite materials. 

Besides being the best at insulating the home and reducing energy costs, shutters also offer protection from extreme weather conditions like storms, blizzards, and hurricanes. They are thick and trap unwanted air between the window glass and the covering. 

They are available as rolling shutters, louvred shutters, and plantation shutters, among other styles. Rolling shutters act like blinds and offer an adjustable amount of light, heat, and privacy. 

Louvered shutters are installed on the inside and are either open or closed. They can also be stained to let in some light when closed. Plantation shutters can be mounted both inside and outside and act as doors opened to let in light.

4. Awnings

These blinds are another popular method of preventing excess heat from entering the house. They are on the outside and make the home look more beautiful. They are available as stationary or retractable awnings. As the names suggest, retractable awnings can roll away to let more light in. 

Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages. Stationary awnings have no moving parts, so they cost less. However, they tend to fade more quickly as they receive continual sunlight. They also block the sun when you want the light to come in. Both styles can significantly reduce solar heat for windows that face South or West.   

5. Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes are the most standard method of keeping heat and light out of rooms. The fabric and colour of the curtain greatly define how much heat and light will be blocked by them. 

Furthermore, hang your curtains and drapes as close to the window as possible. If possible, they should be overlapped and connected in the middle using velcro. You can also install a cornice at the top of the draperies for the best light-blocking effect.  

6. Reflective Film

High-quality window film is a great way of improving solar control and insulation. Reflective films come in metal, dyed, or ceramic styles. Along with reflecting heat, the metal reflective films also reflect the sun’s UV light like a mirror. They also provide a clear view of the outside. 

As for the dyed films, they absorb the light rather than reflect it and are slightly less efficient than metal reflective films. Ceramic films are considered the best for heat-blocking and energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Window Styles: Final Thoughts

With some initial investment into window treatments, your home can be more energy efficient, and you can save on your bills. 

There are several easy and efficient ways to keep the heat out in the summer and keep the warmth in the winter. Get in touch with Window Blinds Direct for a free estimate for the different styles of window treatments for your home.

For more information about window treatments and energy efficiency, call Window Blinds Direct at 647-360-7026 or contact us here.