Do You Have Energy Holes?

The answer is a resounding YES! Unfortunately, we all do. We commonly refer to these "holes" as windows! Today's double-pane windows are much better at preventing unwanted air flow than windows used to be. However, even when closed, they still offer very little resistance to the flow of heat, allowing 10 to 15 times more heat energy to flow through them. And did you realize that while the walls of an average (newer) home typically has an R-value of 19, standard double-pane windows only have an R-value of about 2?!? So, despite the fact that windows make up only about 10% of an average home, up to 50% of the heating and cooling energy pours through them. That amounts to half of what you pay out each month in utility bills!

What can you do about it? One very important step you can take is choosing window treatments that will double as window 'insulators', taking advantage of natural lighting, while preventing heat loss in the cold months and cool air loss in warmer months. (See DWELL magazine article "At Home In The Zone") Honeycomb shades are at the forefront of this money-saving measure. With their innovative "pocket" design, you can add several points of R-value to your windows! Now, R-value may not mean a lot to you... but I bet the extra money in your wallet each month as a result certainly will!