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ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW COVERINGS

Energy Saver

By Aly J. Yale Aug 25, 2024

Window attachments are products that can be attached to a window either
internally or externally to improve energy performance, create a more
comfortable environment, reduce glare, provide privacy and enhance the
appearance and value of your home.


WHY USE ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOW ATTACHMENTS?

Energy-efficient window attachments are important for both new and existing
homes. About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling
seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters
to become heat.

Window coverings can help with this loss of energy by providing comfort,
regulating temperatures, and lowering energy bills. The exact savings will
depend on the type of attachment, the season, the climate, and how the
attachment is used.

In addition to the window coverings, storm windows with low-e coatings and/or
multi-layer glazing are effective at improving thermal performance of windows
and reducing solar heat gain.


KEY BENEFITS OF WINDOW ATTACHMENTS

 * Comfort improvement
 * Control daylight and glare
 * Energy savings
 * Reduce cold drafts near windows
 * Provide privacy
 * Temperature control
   * Reduce day and nighttime heat loss through windows when it’s cold
   * Reduce unwanted solar heat gain through windows when it’s hot


ENERGY PERFORMANCE RATINGS FOR WINDOW ATTACHMENTS

When choosing window attachments, look for products certified with the
Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC)

Energy Improvement rating for increased energy savings and added comfort.

The AERC energy rating indicates that the product has been certified according
to strict standards set forth by the AERC. AERC is an independent, public
interest, non-profit organization whose mission is to rate, label and certify
the energy performance of window attachment products.

The AERC Certified Product Search allows you to browse through the current
window attachment products that have received AERC certification. Get started in
your search for the energy-efficient window attachment product that’s right for
you.


OPERABLE WINDOW COVERINGS

Operable window coverings give you the flexibility to choose whether to keep
your window coverings open or closed for privacy, and to maximize natural light,
take advantage of heat from the sun in the winter, and reduce heat gain in the
summer. Options include shades, blinds, screens, awnings, draperies or curtains,
and shutters.





OPERATION OF WINDOW ATTACHMENTS AND TIPS

Most window coverings are operable, and yet 75% of residential window coverings
remain in the same position every day, according to a study by the U.S.
Department of Energy. Don't fall into this habit - be strategic about which
coverings you open and close throughout the day.

If it’s winter and likely to be sunny, open the window coverings in the morning
to allow the sun to heat your home through the day—especially those that receive
direct sunlight.

In the summer, you may want to keep window coverings closed to reduce heat gain.
For natural light, open those window coverings that don’t get direct sunlight.

You may also want to try switching the ones that are opened and closed through
the day to maximize light and heat from the sun when you want it.

Some companies offer window coverings with automated options, which make them
easier to operate, especially those located in hard to reach places. They can
also offer optimized energy performance. Learn more about the benefits,
drawbacks, and installation of automated window coverings .

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