Welcome to Energy Efficient Window Curtains. Look here for the best deals and latest information on energy efficient window curtains.
Energy Efficient Window Curtains
Energy efficient window curtains are good for the environment and they can result in tremendous savings in your energy bills every year. As much as 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy may be lost through its windows. Energy efficient window treatments, such as energy efficient window curtains, can insulate your home for all seasons and shelter it from unwanted solar radiation during the Summer. Energy efficient window curtains can also enhance the privacy and noise insulation of your home. Indeed, their many fine qualities make energy efficient window curtains some of the best window treatments available.
How do you know if energy efficient window curtains are right for you? Ask yourself a few questions? Do you want to do something concrete to help the environment? Do you want long-term savings on your energy bills that far exceed the cost of replacing your window curtains? Do you want to take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to $1,500? Are rising air conditioning and heating costs causing you grief? If so, it is time to look at energy efficient curtains and window treatments.
When it is cold outside, the heated air in your home (that you have paid good money to heat) moves towards cold windows and escapes. When used properly, insulating curtains and lined draperies can reduce heat loss up to 25%.
When it is warm outside, heat flows through the windows and makes your home uncomfortably hot, requiring expensive air conditioning. According to a study by the University of Florida, medium-colored energy efficient window curtains with white-plastic backings have been found to reduce heat gains by 33%. Energy efficient window curtains also tend to stay cooler in the Summer than some other types of window treatments because the pleats and folds in curtains shunt heat through convection.
Please keep in mind that although the benefits of energy efficient window curtains are substantial and documented, they generally do not reduce air leakage or infiltration. In addition to your energy efficient window curtains, you should caulk and weatherstrip around windows to reduce leakage.
There are many lovely drapery styles and drapery patterns to choose from. Pinch pleated drapes are particularly popular this year. Thermal grommet curtains paired with grommet valances also remain popular. There have also been a number of stylish new french door curtains that have come out this year. Sheer curtains and sheer draperies pair particularly well with french doors. They also make a good sliding glass door window treatment. High quality sheer curtains will give you the most energy efficiency and comfort, but even cheap sheer curtains for windows will be of some benefit. Also consider wide curtains, scarf curtains, hanging curtains and Cafe curtains.
The majority of consumers purchase window treatment drapery either online or through a local retailer and install them themselves. You may save money if you purchase energy efficient curtains online. Modern drapes and contemporary drapes are easy to install and you will be pleased with the results. Consider, however, whether your budget will allow custom curtains and custom drapes. For thermal drapery, nothing beats the look of custom curtains and custom drapes because they fit perfectly to your windows and are made of the finest window treatment fabric. These are luxurious curtains. If you can afford it, a custom window treatment is worth the price.
Insulated Curtains and Roman Curtains
Insulated energy efficient window curtains come in a variety of colors and styles and can help you enhance the fashion and decor of your home while providing energy savings. Consider pairing them with elegant window scarfs.
Insulated curtains and roman curtains reduce the need for both central air conditioning and heating, resulting in significant savings. Energy efficient window curtains also enhance the privacy of your home and provide some degree of sound insulation. They keep light out when you want it out...such as when you want to sleep or when you want reduce the glare on your television or computer screen. Window treatment drapery can also help protect your floors and furniture from sun damage. If you do not want to replace your existing curtains, you may want to look at supplemental insulation panels that are used to modify existing window treatments.
Cotton or Linen Curtains
These insulating curtains are stylish, come in a variety of colors and will complement and home's decor. They are made of all cotton or linen with a polyurethane lining that is durable. Window scarfs also pair well with cotton or linen energy efficient window curtains.
According to your taste you can find standard rod top, grommet top or tab top curtains. They provide both heat and cold insulation. They are effective at cutting outside light by as much as 50% and will prevent sun fading of your furniture and floors. This type of window treatment drapery should be dry cleaned only.
Blackout Drapery Panels or Liner
Blackout drapery liner is something you may already be familiar with because it is found in premium hotels in Europe and around the world. It provides excellent insulation against heat and cold. It is best known, however, for its ability to completely shut light out of a room. This is perfect for a mid-day nap, or for the chance to truly sleep in on a weekend. Moreover, window treatment drapery helps protect your furniture against sun fading. This product generally comes in a pair of 27" or 54" panels and is easy to install.
Energy Efficiency Federal Tax Credit
In addition to the desire to save energy costs and help the environment, you should also consider energy efficient curtains and window treatments to take advantage of the up to $1,500 tax credit for windows. The tax credit came into law on February 17, 2009, under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It applies to certain energy efficient products, which may include energy efficient window curtains, if purchased in 2009 or 2010. You should verify whether the particular energy efficient window curtains you intend to purchase qualify for the tax credit. To do so, request a manufacturer's certification statement for the product verifying that the product qualifies. Qualifying products entitle you to a tax credit of 30% of the purchase price of the product, up to a total of $1,500. Although the energy savings from energy efficient window curtains will benefit you for many years, the federal tax credit for windows only goes through 2010. So if you are thinking about purchasing energy efficient curtains and window treatments, you should do so this year.
Congratulations on your decision to purchase energy efficient window curtains. There are many drapery styles to choose from and many resources available to go to for drapery ideas and drapery patterns. Your new window treatment drapery will improve the appearance of any room and you will be doing something positive for the environment. Now it's time to start thinking about what you will do with all of the money you have saved!