The Best Window Coverings to Keep Out the Cold

With the time for cold weather creeping ever closer, you may want to start thinking about energy-efficient ways to keep your home warm and cozy this coming winter. After all, no homeowner wants to spend money on high heating bills that could be put toward holiday spending and other more pleasant expenditures. Other than replacing your windows, one of the best ways to save energy is by investing in high-quality window coverings.

Window Drapes

For window coverings that are energy-efficient as well as classy and elegant, window drapes are an excellent option. Available in a countless variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, standard drapes have superior insulating properties that can be increased even more by adding a thermal backing. Thermal liners are generally white, which enables them to blend in nicely with your home’s exterior as well.

Plantation Shutters

While many homeowners incorporate shutters into the exterior design of their home, interior shutters are actually more useful as far as saving energy goes. Plantation shutters are thick and fit snugly against your window. They help to reduce energy costs by trapping air against the window glass, forming an additional layer of insulation.

Cellular Shades

Your #1 choice for energy-efficient window treatments is definitely cellular window shades, otherwise known as honeycomb shades. Due to their uniquely designed cell pockets, air is trapped around the windows, which keeps your rooms warm during the winter and prevents cool air from escaping outside during the summer. They come in a wide range of colors, are available in kid-safe cordless styles and can be inside- or outside-mounted (though outside mounted is more energy-efficient).

The amount of insulating power is dependent on the size of the pleats and the number of cells. The pleats generally come in four different sizes: 3/4-, 1/2-, 9/16- and 3/8-inch. The larger the pleats, the more energy efficient the shade. As for the number of cells, multi-layered cells do a better job of trapping air and insulating your windows, and are available in single-cell, double-cell and triple-cell models.

Get Help From the Pros

At Handyman Connection, one of the home maintenance services we specialize in is the installation of blinds and window coverings. To find a handyman in your area who can help you with this task, give us a call at 1-800-88-HANDY and we’ll send one of our experienced craftsmen out to help you.