The Best Window Treatments For Your Home

No house is complete without some windows, and windows come in an impressive variety of models and types. Windows are not to be taken for granted; energy-efficient windows can save a homeowner some money in the long run, while shoddy or worn out windows should be replaced, especially if the homeowner will soon try to sell their property. But hiring window replacement crews is one thing; what about buying window treatments and window shades? Automated shades can be pretty convenient for many homeowners, and some homeowners add automated shades or window screens to keep home theater systems at a proper lighting level during the day. Better yet, screens and shades can double as a security measure.

Windows and Energy Efficiency

Newer homeowners may soon learn that good windows a major component of their electric bill. How so? The typical American house uses nearly half of its electricity for HVAC alone, and if that system is being overworked or it’s inefficient, then it is going to use up a lot of costly electricity and thus drive up the electric bill. Not only do leaky roofs or thin wall insulation leak warm air in winter and cool air in summer, but loose and drafty windows will contribute to this problem, too. Old, warped windows don’t fit well in their frames, and if the windows are a single-pane model, then a lot of warmth can leak out of the house even if the window has no drafts. Bare glass windows in winter are a liability.

Once windows are replaced with new and draft-free models, a homeowner can add some automated window shades, drapes, and old-fashioned blinds to complete a window. This is especially important for windows that often face the sun in summer. When automated shades are installed and used, they can roll down to block hot sunlight during the day, which prevents the house from warming up and thus eases strain on the HVAC system. During the evening or morning, some sunlight in the house looks nice, but during a hot day, sunlight is nothing but trouble for the air conditioner. And what if a homeowner is away for a few days, and they aren’t available to open and close the blinds or curtains? This is where automated shades can come in. Once installed, they can be programmed with a schedule based on sunlight, or they can use sensors. Either way, the home will protect itself from hot sunlight without any human aid. It may also be noted that physically handicapped or disabled homeowners can make good use of these automated shades for large window screens that they cannot operate manually. A senior citizen in a wheelchair, for example, can use a remote control or ask a relative or friend to program their new automatic blinds for a schedule.

On a related note, drapes are a fine option for winter, when the homeowner wants to keep warm air in the house. Blinds and screens don’t do much to keep warmth inside the house; instead, the homeowner can install thick drapes and draw them together, to keep warm air inside and block off the window glass. Besides, drapes look very nice, and some are longer than others and they come in many colors. Homeowners should be careful, though, and keep fire hazards away from drapes.

Blinds and Security

These automated shades are great for keeping the house cool during hot and sunny weather, but they are also an important security and privacy measure. Sometimes, homeowners want an open window so they can look outside, but other times, they want privacy, and blinds, screens, and drapes can provide that. This is especially important for rooms with valuable items, such as electronics of jewelry. Strangers often scout houses ahead of time to find ripe targets for robbery, and a homeowner can discourage theft by shielding their valuables from view. Besides, during some times of day (or in certain neighborhoods), homeowners don’t like the idea of any strangers, burglars or not, looking into their house. Their minds are at ease when every window has screens or drapes that can be closed and block an inside view.