Save Energy With Insulated Window Treatments

Whether you live in the warm southern climate ordouble pane gave you a bit more insulation but still
the cold northern climate, insulated windowallowed the sun to heat up surrounding areas.
treatments will save you money. In fact, the onlyLast, you had the drapes. If you wanted warmth,
place I have ever lived where insulation was notthen you got big, dusty, tacky curtains to cover the
important was Hawaii. That was the only place wherewindow. If you wanted cool air then you installed
I never closed the windows. So unless you live inthin, easily torn, easily damaged sheers. While these
Hawaii, then the right insulation can save you aworked great, they were not exactly the easiest to
bundle.clean and handle.
Don't Let a Draft Cost You MoneyNow, you have the option of insulated shades. Cellular
The biggest waste of money is the drafty window.shades work wonders in insulation. In fact, some are
You can tell if your windows are drafty by using theenergy efficient enough to qualify for a Federal Tax
candle trick. Simply light a candle and slowly move itCredit. This is not something you ever found with
around the window. If the flame flickers or worsebulky curtains.
goes out, then you have a draft. When you find aInsulated Shades an Affordable Option
draft, it is important to seal it immediately.While you may think that you could not afford quality
Insulate the Windowshades, you just might be surprised. Translucent
You insulate your attic. You insulate your walls.single cell shades only cost about $25 and that is for
However, the window is left untreated. Does thisa custom fit. The blackout single cell shades (for
make sense? Of course it doesn't. Yet, in the past,ultimate light filtering) are only $10 more. When you
you were left with only a few options.consider how much you can actually save (studies
First, you could install a separate window. Someshow insulated shades reduce energy bills by 25%),
people install storm windows on the outside of ainstalling cellular blinds is quite affordable.
regular window to get the benefit of both stormThe cellular shade is only one type of insulated
protection and insulation. However, this makeswindow treatment. You can find a wide variety of
opening the windows a pain, not to mention theenergy efficient blinds and shades in an assortment
cleaning nightmare!of styles. When it comes to quality window
Your next option was the double pane window. Thistreatments, your options are almost limitless.
was a better option and it was more attractive. The