How to Slash Your Utility Bills with Window Treatments
How to Slash Your Utility Bills with Window Treatments By: Deirdre Sullivan The right window treatments can lower your heating and cooling costs. Here are the best choices for energy efficiency. The trick to picking the best window treatments for energy efficiency is to know which types will block the sun’s heat (solar heat gain) in the summer and slash heat loss in the winter. You’ll also need to know how to tap into each treatment’s energy-saving superpowers with proper installation. The following list will help you pick what’s best for your home. Blinds Image: Visbeen Architects, Inc. / Photographer: Johnny Quinn Energy-saving benefit: They can help you beat the summer heat. How? By adjusting the slats to control the amount of light and ventilation you let into a room. Other good-to-knows: Blinds made of highly reflective materials can slash solar heat gain by 45% when completely lowered ...