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ENERGY Eff iciency


Using energy effi cient window treatments Make your windows


By B. Denise Hawkins


covering choices—how you use them, where you install them and if they really save energy. T ese days, every penny counts, which is why OEC always recommends fi nding ways to be energy effi cient around the house. “Windows account for 25 to 40


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percent of annual heating and cooling costs, especially in older homes,” said Randy Harnsberger, OEC key accounts manager and energy effi ciency expert. “Blinds, shades, fi lms and drapes are all good options to consider if old or ineffi cient windows can’t be replaced.” According to a joint government


and industry research eff ort (including the U.S. Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association), window coverings— blinds, shades, curtains and


recent study by two federal agencies used rigorous science and analysis to dissect window-


awnings—could save signifi cant amounts of energy at a relatively low cost to the consumer. Researchers next want to quantify how much energy consumer households could save based on the dominant types of window coverings used, in which climate zones people live and how U.S. households currently operate their window treatments. In the meantime, you may want


to give your window treatments a second look when it comes to cooling, heating and comfort in your home. “It’s important to remember that


location, placement and materials are key,” said Harnsberger. “Windows facing west let in the hottest light and need the most coverage, while windows facing south are the most important natural light source and only need light coverage.” Drapery, shades, interior blinds


and window fi lm are low-cost measures you can take to begin saving energy in your home.


Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy.gov, and “Residential Windows and Window Coverings: A Detailed View” September 2013 Report


B. Denise Hawkins writes on energy effi ciency issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for- profi t electric cooperatives.


stylish and eff icient


Drapery When hanging draperies, make sure they are placed as close to windows as possible to reduce heat exchange and that they are long enough to fall onto a windowsill or fl oor.


Shades Dual shades–highly refl ective (white) on one side and heat absorbing (dark) on the other side–are energy effi cient and can be reversed with the seasons.


Interior blinds When completely closed and lowered at a sun-fi lled window, heat gain can be reduced by around 45 percent.


Window fi lm Clear solar-control window fi lms can block up to 84 percent of solar energy coming through windows.


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