Tip 11 - How's It Hanging? |
| A drape can reduce heat lost through a window by one-third. An insulated drape can reduce it by half. A few well-placed pieces of cloth will help reduce the amount of energy used for heating or air-conditioning your home. Drapes, window shades and blinds can be an effective way to keep your home more comfortable and environmentally sound. |
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ENERGY FACTS
- Drapes save energy effectively only if they fit tightly against the window and the floor. Usually this means a valance at the top, side guides and a weighted hem. Or, try adding in edge seals such as Velcro or magnetic strips.
- If you install covering on a north-facing window, you could save two to three percent of your home heating and cooling costs. The savings increase significantly if you install the same covering on south- and west-facing windows.
- Other window coverings can be effective energy savers, but only if they fit snugly on the windows. Even a vinyl shade can cut heat loss in half. More elaborate shades, such as quilted curtains, can cut those losses by 80 percent. Venetian blinds are the least-effective energy savers because they have so many gaps.
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SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY
- Use your drapes. Open them on sunny winter days to allow warm sun in; close them on winter nights to retain heat; close them on hot summer days to keep the sun out.
- Add an insulating lining to your draperies. Check your local drapery shop or fabric store.
- Install white blinds on the south- and west-facing windows to keep the sun from broiling our house in the summer. Better yet, install them outside to keep the wall and window shaded.
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