The windows are an essential part of the home, and they play a bigger role in a house’s function and efficiency than providing a place for a person to look outside or let a pleasant breeze in. Windows are an area of concern for security such as break-ins, as most homeowners know, but what they may not know is that a windows are also a weak point for the home’s energy efficiency. How is that possible? A lot of heat or cold can transfer into or out of the home through windows without the homeowner’s intent, and this means that the home’s air conditioning or heating system has to work overtime to compensate for the constant temperature loss, and that eats up extra electricity. However, blinds for windows and motorized screens can protect a home from burglars peeking in, as well as keep the inside temperature under control. Why choose motorized blinds? Can motorized window blinds really help? With the right installation, they certainly can.
Practicality and Blinds for Windows
A home’s energy bill, comfort, security, and aesthetic are all impacted by a window and its treatments, or lack thereof. In general, shades, screens, and blinds for windows are very helpful and efficient, as well as attractive to look at. Energy efficiency is just the start; the Natural Resources Defense Council has found that windows and doors account for one third of the thermal loss in the average home, and the Attachments Energy Rating Council, or the AERC, has compiled supporting data recently. The AERC found that blinds for windows and other attachments can save up to 13% of a home’s yearly energy use, and cellular shades on just one window can save anywhere between $280 and $470 per year. Roller shades on one window can save $180, also impressive energy savings.
Blinds, screens, and shades, whether motorized or not, give a home security and privacy from nosy neighbors or worse, burglars. This may be especially important for the bedroom (where people undress) or any room with expensive items like large flat screen TVs, jewelry, or collectible items. Finally, window treatments such a automated window blinds, screens, and drapes can be attractive to look at, depending on their material and colors, and can add personality to a room as well as protect it from burglars and energy loss. How can someone decide what to get?
Installing Blinds for Windows
A person with larger windows, especially in a sunny part of the United States like California or New Mexico, may opt for automated, motorized blinds and window screens to block out bright, hot sunlight during certain parts of the day. These treatments, once installed, can operate either from battery power or being plugged into a wall, and remote controls allow users to raise and lower them as desired. Some models can even be programmed to raise and lower at certain times of the day, based on when the sun is brightest or deterring nighttime burglary scouting missions. This can also be helpful for elderly homeowners or those with physical disabilities that make it difficult to raise or lower screens and heavy blinds.
Drapes are not mechanized or automatic, but they can also be helpful in nearly every way that blinds and screens are. When drawn, drapes block out vision into a room just like blinds can, and they also help prevent warm air from escaping in winter or hot sunlight from heating up a room too much in summer, based on the materials used for the drapes. As a bonus, drapes can look very classy and attractive, and they can have their ends either hang just over the floor for a neat look, or their long ends can be crumpled on the floor for a classy look. However, drapes are fire hazards, and should not be placed near lit candles, fireplaces, or damaged electrical cords. Pet owners should be aware that cats or dogs might chew or scratch drapes, and cats might try to climb them. But if used safely, drapes can be a simple, elegant way to add privacy, class, and energy efficiency to any room, from the living room to the bedroom. They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics for personal taste.