There’s nothing we hate more than a high utility bill, especially when there are preventative measures you can take to conserve energy in your home and office. Energy conservation is not only good for the environment, it can also help reduce your monthly electric bill and save you money.
One easy way to save energy is by installing blinds or shades in your home. Did you know that you could lose up to 30% of your home’s energy through your windows?
As much as the natural light streaming through our windows brightens up our lives, the heat and cold that comes along with it can sometimes be overwhelming. Let’s discuss the various ways to reduce your energy consumption and the steps you can take to ensure your electric bill stays low.
When it comes to saving energy in your house, blinds and shades are not the only way to do it. Turning off the AC during cold seasons, using your dishwasher only when it’s full, and installing certain energy efficient bulbs are just some tips.
Here is a detailed list of actions you can take to conserve energy and save your money, while protecting the environment:
Use your window shades at the right times. During the summer, close your blinds to keep out the sun and keep your room cool. During the winter, keep your blinds open to bring in the warm rays and which will keep your AC from working too hard.
Cleaning or replacing air filters is one of the easiest ways to conserve energy. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter can reduce your energy consumption by 15%! The dirtier your air filters are, the more energy it takes for them to work efficiently.
Try to get in the habit of turning off your lights and unplugging electronics when you aren’t using them. Without even realizing it, most chargers use power even when the device is not plugged in! By doing this, you will save a lot of energy and money.
Use LESS hot water and spend LESS time in the shower. According to the EPA, a minute less in the shower can help save 170 billion gallons each year.
Switch your incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs which use 75% less energy, last 25 times longer, and are more durable.
Wash your clothes using warm or cold water to reduce the household energy needed to heat the water.
Run your dishwasher only with a full load to reduce how much you are spending on water and energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this can prevent 100 pounds of carbon pollution and save $40 on energy bills every year.
Use microwaves and toaster ovens when cooking small amounts of food instead of a conventional one. According to ENERGY STAR, this can reduce anywhere from 30%-80% less energy!
One of the most valuable home improvements you can do is make it more energy-efficient. According to energy.gov, “about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.” But with the proper window covering, you can save money and conserve energy while making your home more comfortable!
There are many types of window treatments to choose from. Each type has a different level of insulation and protection against UV rays. Window shades and window blinds are normally regarded for their aesthetics and privacy. They give your home interior the finishing touch, protect you from glare, and also from the eyes of nosy neighbors. But window shades and window blinds can do more than just that. Here are 3 ways that your blinds can help with energy conservation:
During the winter months, window treatments can help you keep your room warm by preventing heat from escaping. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, “roughly 25% of annual heating and cooling costs are because of air leakage through windows”.
Insulation from products like blackout shades, and zebra shades can provide maximum heat trapping and will discourage heat from escaping your home.
During the summer months, window treatments will keep your room cool and save your A/C from working too hard. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, in warmer states cooling costs can be up to 25% of the total energy use in homes. Warmer states like Florida, Texas, and Cali can benefit from light filtering and roller shades as they protect your home from the harmful UV rays. Being able to filter out and maximize the cooling properties, these shades or blinds are ideal for homes during the hot season.
With window treatments, you can increase energy efficiency. It is important to know the correct times to close your shades as it will help reduce the energy you use at home. With the control of opening and closing your window shades, you can decide if the sun is helping to warm your room up, or potentially hurting your utility bills! It’s important to consider custom made blinds and shades as they are made to fit your exact window measurements. This will ensure that your window is covered in its entirety and there is no light leakage. For a step-by-step guide on how to measure your windows properly, check out our video tutorial and measurement instructions here.
By making small changes to your home, it can be easy to lower your energy use and in turn your electricity bill. Just by installing window shades and blinds you could save up to $150 per year. Not to mention the added benefits of light control, privacy, and UV ray protection. Contact us today for a free consultation if this sounds like something that would benefit your home or office needs.
ShadeMonster has over 25 years of experience with window treatments. Our products are made of high-quality customizable materials and we ensure proper mounting that will prevent your air conditioner from working overtime!
ShadeMonster’s team of experts are happy to assist. Call now for free consultation: (866) 206-8056
EIA.gov. (2021, June 23). Use of energy in homes. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/homes.php
Energy saver. (2020, October 1). Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver
Energy Saver. (n.d.). Update or replace Windows. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows
Energy Star. (n.d.). About ENERGY STAR for products. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/about/origins_mission/energy_star_overview/about_energy_star_products
Shower better. (2020, October 22). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/shower-better
WaterSense products. (2020, November 5). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-products
