Energy saving blinds may help reduce costs until new bill is passed

A new bill being pushed in the Senate is seeking to reduce energy costs in American households. The Associated Press reports that the American Power Act aims to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 17 percent by 2020 and by more than 80 percent by 2050.

"We can't afford not to change how we produce and use energy because the long-term costs to our economy, our national security and our environment are far greater," President Barack Obama said in a speech, according to the news source.

While the Miami Herald reports that Massachusetts Senator John Kerry and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, the two politicians sponsoring the bill, do not have the 60 votes needed to pass the American Power Act, homeowners seeking to lessen their energy bills may want to consider installing energy saving blinds.

Blinds can help insulate a room, keeping the cool air in while blocking sunlight that can heat up a space, and reduce the need to turn down air conditioner units, which may help keep energy bills at bay. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, cooling costs account for approximately 20 percent of the utility bill in the average US home.