Monday, January 12, 2009

Making GREEN Beautiful - Saving Energy at the Window


Heat flow through windows is graphically shown in the infrared photo above, where red areas indicate energy loss. The dramatic color difference between the walls and windows shows the contrast in resistance to heat flow. How can we make the windows more like the walls? By adding insulation. Not with the fiberglass you would use in the walls, of course, but with window coverings - products that also control light and privacy, and add a fashion statement to each room.

This infrared photo illustrates that by simply adding an insulated shade to the uncovered window means saving a lot of energy when heating your home. Energy loss, both in heat loss and heat gain, is through the windows; when they are insulated this means that you are saving money. The Duette Architella shade can add R-Value to your windows up to +4.
R-Value measure resistance to heat flow. The walls of a contemporary home typically have an R-Value of 19, while standard double pane windows only have an R-Value of about 2. By adding window fashions like Duette Architella honeycomb shades can add up to four points tripling the energy efficiency of a standard double pane window and cutting heat loss through it by up to two-thirds. Imagine the impact of this much increased insulation on your utility bills!

When you choose Hunter Douglas products for your windows you're doing more than saving energy resources and money. You're also enhancing the look of your home with remarkable beauty and style at the window plus you're increasing the resale value of your home as well. Come into our showroom at Drapes & More Interiors to see a sample of this fine product. We will be happy to come to your home to give you a free estimate too.