“Green” Window Coverings
March 7th, 2008 Window film is a commonly used type of window covering for cold climate areas. Window film is offered in a variety of colors and helps to increase the amount of heat that stays in your home during those cold winter months. This type of window covering is also useful in areas with warmer climates as it helps to keep cool air from escaping through windows. Window film can be pared with shades for increased energy efficiency. Because window film helps to contain both warm and cold air in your home or business it helps to reduce your heating and/or air conditioning expenses.
Window coverings are offered in a variety of styles, colors and materials. However, what you may not know is that there are now shades available that do more than just block out the light. In fact there are several types of environmentally friendly window coverings that help to block out the sun and absorb heat.
Solar blinds block ultraviolet rays, reduce the amount of heat transferred into your home and reduce glare, but still allow natural light into your home. These shades are offered with different “openness factor” designs. The “openness factor” has to do with the ability to see through the window covering. The “openness factor” also dictates the amount of privacy the shades will allow and what percentage of ultraviolet rays are blocked. For instance solar blinds with a lower “openness factor” allow more privacy and block a higher percentage of UV rays. Likewise the higher the “openness factor” is the clearer the view will be and the percentage of UV rays blocked will be lower.
Another type of eco-friendly window covering is interior shutters. When made of a poly satin compound interior shutters are UV resistant, block the heat from the sun and still allow some natural light to enter your home.
Fabric vertical blinds are a good solution for business and home owners who need to block out the sun. These sunshades are available in a solar fabric that blocks out the glare of the sun while still allowing some natural light in. Again these shades are UV resistant and absorb heat. Vertical blinds are great for large windows and sliding patio doors.
Aside from being eco-friendly these window coverings are energy efficient and therefore help to save you money. Because they absorb heat these shades help to keep your home or business cooler without turning up the air conditioning. Using window coverings in your home or business can help to decrease your cooling costs as much as ten percent annually. Window shades are also useful because they help to protect your rugs and furniture from harmful UV rays that can cause materials to fade and woods to age more rapidly.
Aside from the energy and cost benefits of window coverings there are environmental benefits. By using less energy to heat and cool our homes and businesses we are releasing less pollutants into the air and helping to decrease the use of our natural resources.
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The article is generously provided by ShadesShuttersBlinds.com for your benefit. ShadesShuttersBlinds.com is owned and operated by experts in shutters, blinds and other window coverings. Find more home decoration tips and articles on ShadesShuttersBlinds.com Window Coverings Blog.
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