| Anyone who owns a home or rents an apartment | | | | Windows are one of the largest sources of heat and |
| comes to the realization that no matter how good | | | | air loss which forces your heating/air conditioning unit |
| the windows are the R-value is not enough to | | | | to work harder. Energy consumption can be greatly |
| prevent energy loss. Even double paned windows | | | | impacted as a result, causing your utility bill to rise |
| allow significant amounts of heat and air conduction. | | | | higher and higher. In climates with temperature |
| Glass is just not a good insulator, which is why they | | | | extremes this can run into thousands of dollars over |
| invented double paned windows. They operate on | | | | the course of a year. |
| the theory that if you can't keep the heat or cold | | | | Though the word "insulation" implies dull looking |
| out, maybe it can be trapped! But the truth is you | | | | stuffing, window insulation coverings now come in a |
| can significantly raise the R-value of your windows by | | | | variety of decorator styles. There are balloon shades, |
| installing window insulation coverings. | | | | Roman shades, accordion shades, and side draw |
| Window insulation coverings serve several purposes:o | | | | shades to name just a few. They are usually |
| Increases the R-value of the window often by 5 | | | | constructed with layers that are quilted together in a |
| points (R-1 to R-6)o Enables control of room lighto | | | | way that air pockets are created forming a barrier |
| Enhances room décoro Adds sound proofing | | | | against window seepage. Not all shades are quilted |
| Window insulation coverings keep outdoor cold or hot | | | | though. Other kinds of construction include heat |
| air out of the house and your heating or air | | | | resistant materials sewn between fabric layers, and |
| conditioning inside. The result is a house that's not | | | | specially designed materials that reflect heat and cold. |
| only more comfortable, but more energy efficient. | | | | Window insulation coverings can include shades as |
| Higher energy efficiency equates to lower energy | | | | discussed, but also shutters or curtain layers. In |
| bills. Insulated window coverings are different than | | | | every case an additional air barrier is being created. |
| coverings used primarily for decoration. They are | | | | The key to air flow control is the air pocket and |
| made with additional padding or space barrier and fit | | | | making sure the covering can be tightly fitted or |
| the window tightly. | | | | completely covers the window. |