Right window treatments do more than improve the view
by Christine Brun/Creators News Service Wednesday October 29, 2008, 3:50 PM
Hard times are giving new meaning to Kermit the Frog’s famous lament, “It’s not easy being green.”
SMALL, STYLISH CHANGES
There are small changes, some even stylish, we can make that will have a significant environmental benefit. It just so happens that nearly 5 percent of all energy consumed in the United States is lost through the windows of our homes.
“Effectively designed window coverings can cut that consumption in half,” Lobosco says.
What homeowners need to appreciate is that the more control they can achieve over natural light, the better they can manage energy consumption
For example, people with windows facing the rising or setting sun can employ solar energy during chilly weather to help keep warm. The right shades will open to let in solar radiation during the day and then close to trap warm air at sunset when days turn chilly.
Conversely, a window treatment that can be drawn closed before the summer sun starts to shine into windows can help keep rooms cool. Options are truly endless and many are inexpensive.
