Are you hoping to pay less on your energy bills this upcoming summer? New window treatments can make a huge difference in how much energy you need to keep your home cool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat loss and heat gain through windows are responsible for 20-35% of residential energy use. Here are some tips on how to utilize your windows to save you money.

Time of Day Is Important

The time of day you open or close your curtains could be the main reason behind the temperature of your home. It may be a habit to open all the blinds to let the light in every morning—but if your windows are uncovered during daylight hours, you’re allowing UV rays and hot air to enter and build up in your home all day. This increases the need to run your air conditioner to keep indoor temperatures tolerable.

Utilizing Natural Light

As much as the time of day matters to when you open your blinds, so does how often you open your blinds. You want to be able to utilize as much natural light so you do not have to have lights on in your home during the day. Energy-efficient film and solar window screens can be added to your windows and paired with nearly any existing window treatment to allow visible light into your home while blocking radiant heat.

Choose the Right Type of Window Covering

Lastly, the type of energy-efficient window covering you choose will also impact your ability to keep interior temperatures comfortable. Curtains perform well in the winter and can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10%. However, blinds decrease indoor heat gain more efficiently than curtains in the summer. Understanding what type of window covering is best for your home can save you money in the long run on your energy bill.

Window coverings can help with energy loss and lower your energy bills. The exact savings will depend on the type of attachment, the season, the climate, and how the attachment is used. Find the right type of window covering for you and practice these

energy-efficient methods to use them.