In recent years, energy efficiency has emerged as not only a way to combat high gas and electric prices, but also to reduce carbon footprint. When energy is burned, particularly fossil fuels, carbon is emitted into the atmosphere, which contributes to the warming of the planet.
While the turning on of an electric light or air conditioner does not itself cause much of these emissions, the generation of the electricity that is supplied to the home in the first place often does.
In an effort to reduce emissions, energy efficiency has become a top-of-mind consideration for business and homeowners. This focus is spurred on by regulations which can penalize companies for high emissions, as well as tax credits for energy efficient homes. Thankfully, there are several ways to make this adjustment to a cleaner, more efficient home in style. Here are our tips.
Luxurious Drapery
The right drapery speaks volumes about the refinement and elegance of the designer. In addition to the obvious visible contributions to your home’s aesthetic, drapery is an excellent insulator, helping to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The thick fabric also blocks harmful UV rays from causing your furniture to fade over time. More temperature consistency means less energy expended to maintain your home’s conditions, which in turn decreases your carbon footprint.
Honeycomb Blinds
Honeycomb blinds are another appealing option for maintaining a comfortable home climate without relying on heating and air conditioning. With a collapsible structure that reduces in size as they rise, these custom blinds become practically invisible when not in use. Their simple design and materials also makes them extremely cost effective.
The cellular shape of these blinds helps trap air in long, interior channels for more effective insulation. Rooms with extra sun exposure benefit tremendously from honeycomb blinds.
Automated Window Treatments
Motorized window treatments are the perfect way to pursue energy efficiency while also enhancing the modernization and connectivity of your home. Programmed to shift the lighting in the room depending on the weather and time of day, automated window treatments can significantly reduce energy usage and make excellent use of natural light – no matter the outdoor conditions.
These custom window shades and blinds are available in a variety of styles, including roller shades and Lutron shading systems. Automated window treatments can be integrated with the smart technology of your home, controlled from a central manual, and even set to customized schedules.
What’s more, automated window solutions also provide added security by creating the illusion of a presence in the home when no one is there. When away from home, set your shades to a custom orientation and gain peace of mind.
Decrease Your Carbon Footprint with Architectural Window Treatments
Architectural Window Treatments offers a wide range of custom blinds and shades perfectly crafted to fit the specifications of your windows. Available in a variety of styles and materials, cordless and motorized options, finding the right shading options for your home is simple and streamlined. Our expert staff will happily provide guidance based on your needs and offer precision installation for all types of custom blinds, shades, drapery, and automated window treatments. For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping homeowners decrease their energy usage while modernizing their environments.
For a seamless and curated selection process, contact us today. We look forward to helping you find the perfect custom blinds.