It’s important to buy quality window blinds. Cheaper options might look shabby or fail to perform as well, while more expensive blinds are built with quality in mind.
However, many homeowners do not realize that a federal tax credit can be applied to the purchase of energy-efficient window blinds.
Energy-Efficient Materials
Homeowners who choose cheap shades for windows made of energy-efficient materials can save money on their energy bills. Energy efficient window blinds reduce heat loss in the winter and air infiltration during the summer, which makes your home more comfortable without the need to turn up the thermostat. Energy saving window blinds are also more durable and last longer than their conventional counterparts, so they are a smart investment for your home.
Window blinds come in a wide range of styles, colors and materials. Some are designed to act as insulation by blocking out the light and preventing heat from entering the home, while others help save energy by controlling solar heat gain and using natural light to reduce the need for electric lights (also known as daylighting). It’s important to take into account all the options when shopping for new window shades, including their energy efficiency.
Most window coverings save energy by reflecting the sun’s rays before they reach objects inside the room and turn into heat; and in the winter, they can reflect the infrared radiation back into the room instead of letting it escape through the windows. Some window shades have a more energy-efficient design, like honeycomb or cellular shades.
These window treatments consist of an insulating layer of fabric that looks like a honeycomb from the side view and has a hollow interior that creates a barrier between the outside air and your home’s interior. This type of window treatment is often referred as an energy-efficient product or green product.
Some states and localities offer tax breaks or rebates on certain energy-efficient window treatment products, such as cellular window blinds. You may be eligible for a rebate that could save you up to $500.
Many Hunter Douglas window shades have an energy-saving design, but some have a higher rating than others. Duette Architella shades, for example, have a unique cell within a cell construction that helps to reduce energy costs and insulate windows better. This type of window blinds qualifies for the federal energy-efficient homeowner tax credit, so you can earn a rebate of up to 30% on your purchase price.
Energy-Efficient Blinds
There are many things to consider when buying window blinds. Style is one factor that can be affected by fashion trends. Low-quality products will deteriorate quickly in the sun, and look shabby. It’s also important to purchase blinds that fit your windows precisely, to ensure there are no gaps or light leaks.
Fortunately, when you choose energy-efficient window blinds, you can reduce your utility bills and save money on taxes at the same time. Some window treatments are able to save energy by trapping heat during the winter and minimizing the sun’s heat in the summer, so that you can control your heating and cooling costs without spending too much money on home improvements.
Some products have additional benefits that can help you save energy, like reducing drafts or improving insulation. One example of an energy-efficient product is Hunter Douglas’ LiteRise TrimKit, which reduces drafts by sealing the gap between the window frame and the shade. This innovative installation feature is compatible to the company’s Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades, which are eligible for a tax credit under the Residential Energy Property Credit.
LiteRise TrimKit can be found at retailers like Kohl’s. Kohl’s offers a wide range of styles and colours to match any decor. The store also offers its customers a variety of convenient online services, including free shipping and return. The prices of the retailer are competitive and its products are of excellent quality. Besides, its customer service is always helpful and accommodating. If you’re in the market for new window blinds then Kohl’s is your best option. You can also shop on a budget at Kohl’s, as they are known for their affordable products of exceptional quality.
Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Window blinds are an important part of a home’s energy efficiency, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs by keeping the room warm in winter and cool in summer. The Department of Energy estimates about 30% of heat and air conditioning from a home escapes through the windows. However, with the right window treatments this amount can be significantly reduced. Window blinds are available in a variety of styles and functions. They are also very effective for energy conservation.
For example, honeycomb or cellular shades have an insulating air pocket that is formed when the blinds are closed. This gives them a much higher R-value and helps to keep cool air in while keeping hot air out. Many of these styles also come with an opaque interior which increases their R value. Hunter Douglas offers a variety of styles, including double honeycomb designs with an impressive R-7 rating.
Light filtering blinds can also help you save energy. They are designed to allow in the natural sunlight while minimizing solar heat gain, making them ideal for warmer climates. They are very effective at reducing the need for artificial lighting, further cutting down on energy use.
Conventional curtains and drapes can be upgraded for energy-efficiency by using a white plastic or vinyl lining. This helps to reflect the sun’s light and prevents it from heating up the house. These window treatments work well in rooms that are exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, like bedrooms or living rooms.
While standard window blinds are very effective at keeping the house cool in the summer, they do not offer much insulation value when they are closed in the winter. They can have horizontal or vertical slats, which move with the window. The R-value can be improved by sealing and filling them with foam, but the insulation is not increased.
Energy saving window blinds can also be fitted with a special film that blocks the near-infrared solar radiation that is so effective at warming a room in the winter. These films are best used in south-facing or west-facing rooms, and they can be effective at reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Energy-Efficient Hunter Douglas Products
Energy-efficient window treatments are a great way to reduce your energy costs and help the planet. Choosing the right window treatments is important because each style has unique features that can impact your home or lifestyle. Hunter Douglas offers products that meet your needs, whether you are looking for privacy, light control or a certain aesthetic.
The best option for maximizing energy efficiency is insulated window shades. These shades are constructed with an air gap between the window and the frame, creating an insulating barrier to keep warm or cool air from escaping your home in the winter and summer. Depending on your climate, this insulation can help you save as much as 10% of your heating and cooling costs each year.
Additionally, insulated shades have the advantage of blocking out UV rays to protect your furniture and artwork from sun damage. Many styles come with privacy liners that provide an extra layer of protection.
Honeycomb shades, also known as cellular shades, are the most popular choice for energy-efficient window blinds. The fabric’s engineered pockets act as insulators, blocking heat and cold while allowing light into your room. These window treatments are available in a wide selection of colors, fabrics, and textures to complement any design scheme.
Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb shades are eligible for a 30% federal credit in addition to their insulation properties! This energy-saving incentive reduces your initial purchase costs and allows you to receive the full rebate when filing your federal taxes in 2023.
Other insulative options include woven wood shades, which combine woods, bamboo, grasses, and exotic reeds for a truly organic aesthetic. The shades’ woven patterns allow for maximum light control, while providing privacy and UV protection. These window treatments are available in a range of colors, textures, and weaves to match your interior design. Woven wood shades can be combined with light-filtering or room-darkening attached liners to find your ideal level of opacity.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can save money on your taxes with insulated window blinds from Hunter Douglas, contact New View Blinds and Shutters today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you find the perfect window coverings for your home, providing professional installation services to ensure a perfect fit.