It’s that time of year again when homeowners turn on the heat in their homes, and parents everywhere admonish children to close the door quickly with the question, “Are you trying to heat the neighborhood?” 

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that as much as one third of the average home’s heat loss occurs through doors and windows. And The Department of Energy reports that heating and cooling accounts for nearly 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense in most households.

There are three ways heat exchange occurs:

• Conduction – transfer of heat through two stationary parts of a system, e.g., warm indoor air warms the chilled window pane and is transmitted outside.
• Convection – transfer of heat by circulation, e.g. heat is lost as air between the window and heat source cools. Hot air is cooled and circulates back into the room as more hot air takes its place.  This exchange requires more energy to maintain the room’s temperature.
• Radiation – process where energy, e.g., heat, is emitted by one body, e.g., furnace, through a medium, e.g., air, and absorbed by another body, e.g., glass.
   

Window Coverings can slow heat exchange by providing a layer of insulation between the chilled window pane and the warmed indoor air.  

Over the next few weeks, we’ll address which window treatments do the job better than others and give you some tips to keep your home as warm and cozy as a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows!

Sources:

1. http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energysavers/post/Improving-the-Energy-Efficiency-of-Existing-Windows.aspx
2. http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12300

Use these tips to conserve energy and save money this winter:

• Conduct an energy audit to find air leaks in your home and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
• Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees or the temperature recommended by your energy provider.
• Lower your thermostat a few degrees more when you’ll be away and overnight when you’ll be sleeping.
• Open south facing window coverings during the day to heat rooms with passive solar heat.
• Keep north-facing window coverings closed to retain heat.
• Draw window treatments at night to slow heat loss and improve efficiency.
• Layer two classic window treatments on the same window. For example, add a drapery panel and cornice box over a cellular shade to improve energy efficiency and add visual appeal.
• If you’re in the market for new treatments, ask about window treatments, features and techniques that will help conserve more energy.
  

Finally, there’s some good news for U.S. homeowners! Under section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.), homeowners can receive a 30 percent credit on the costs of "qualified energy efficiency improvements," including solar control window film, made to a primary residence from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.

Only window films that meet the geographic and solar performance criteria will be eligible for the credit, so be sure to ask your local Budget Blinds Style Consultant which film qualifies for your area.

To qualify for the tax credit, homeowners will need to submit copies of the invoice, the manufacturer’s qualification statement and IRS form 5695.