Warming Up for Winter
Forty percent of the heat in a home escapes through the windows on average, and windows are typically 20 percent of wall space. So energy dollars are literally pouring out the window. Window coverings with a high R-value can provide much needed insulation and significantly reduce heat loss. The "R-value" (resistance value) measures a product's resistance to heat loss when in a closed (lowered) position. The higher the R-value, the more insulation a window product provides. A single layer of uncovered window glass has a winter R-value of about 0.88, while a double-glazed window has a value of about 1.75. By selecting an energy-efficient window treatment, you can help increase the R-value one to five points.

Wood and vinyl are insulating materials and fabric shades with metallized or room-darkening linings are also good insulators. Honeycomb fabric shades, which "trap" air in the honeycomb cells, provide the best insulation. Super energy-efficient Duette triple-honeycomb shades afford a winter R-value of 4.8 on double-glazed windows.

Click here for InteriorDecorating.com Window Treatments & Blinds or give us a call at 1-800-590-5844 for name brand blinds and custom window coverings.