During the colder months many people wonder if they should get insulating window coverings rather than going to the significant expense of replacing old single pane windows. On the surface this may seem like a great and simple solution, however the facts might surprise you.
Recently we received a phone call from a woman who had recently gotten a quote for new windows. The quote staggered her and she wondered if it was more economical for the time being to replace the window coverings she had with ones that would add a measure of insulation. Considering the energy efficiency ratings that a Hunter Douglas Duette shade would offer, totaling up the size of her windows and how many openings she would need to cover, the cost came in just under the quote she had received for new windows! Needless to say putting new window coverings up rather than replacing the window wasn't the solution she was looking for.
I'm certainly not an energy efficiency professional, but our company can direct you toward products that will help insulate the home by creating a barrier between the window and the room. Hunter Douglas provides a very detailed chart that outlines each window covering product they offer with the values of energy efficiency . Here's a description of their cool and warm climate ratings and what will work best depending on the climate zone you live in:
For instance I live in Northern Nevada so I'm going to choose window coverings that are in the Mixed Climate Rating Zone. When talking with us about which products will provide the best insulating factors, we can select the appropriate window shade for your specific climate zone.
Insulation Versus Shading: There are Differences
Not all window coverings will accomplish the same function. Therefore we need to discuss the difference between insulating a window and creating shade with the window treatment. To insulate you will want to create a barrier between the two different areas where air is coming into to the room. An insulating layer will keep the warm air, or cold air, from entering one side of the window to the other side. Not all window coverings that offer insulation will insulate in the same way. Some are better than others. It can get a little complicated, but a window covering specialist will be able to determine what product will best suit the clients needs.
Another area to discuss is shading.
Your goal in a home is to stop the sun's rays at your window to keep the sun's energy from entering your home and heating up all the things inside your home that you would want protected (i.e. carpet, furniture, art). The best product for shading is one that is an opaque shade as opposed to a sheer window covering. Here's where it gets a little tricky: not all blinds or shades will offer both insulation and shading. Some products shade well, for example a two inch blind, either wood or faux wood, however this product insulates poorly.
Clearly there are many factors to consider when choosing window coverings that will insulate the home, or simply shade a room. A lot depends on what you, the client, are trying to achieve in the home, whether you want insulating factors or shading options.
So to answer the initial question on replacing windows or getting new window coverings it all depends on your existing type of windows (single pane or double pane) the age of the windows, and your budget. Insulated window coverings can help to a certain degree, but it might not be the best solution for your home. We are happy to assist you to find a suitable solution to your particular window covering issues.
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At Window Fashionista we are happy to guide you through the process of selecting the proper window covering for your insulating or shading needs. . Please contact us if you are needing this specific type of assistance and are unable to sort through all the window covering options for your window covering needs. Our partner Paul Kempler, with Kempler Design, has thirty-plus years experience in Northern Nevada helping his clients determine their needs.
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