Energy Saving Blinds

Green design trends are influencing homeowners' choice of furnishings
Homeowners are looking for a mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings that coordinate well with green design trends that include natural finishes and sustainable materials.

Energy-saving cellular blinds arean attractive addition to a basement re-do
Cellular blinds can add a stylish look as well as energy savings when homeowners are considering a makeover of their basement into extended family space. These window treatments, which help conserve heat in winter and cool down hot rooms in summer, come in a variety of colors that can be matched to contemporary or traditional decor.

Home improvements to cut down on your air conditioner usage
From window treatments to ceiling fans, there are many options available to improve your home's aesthetic and to cut down on utility bills at the same time.

Going green with your interior design for spring
Not only are they good for the environment, but homeowners are finding new ways to make their houses more energy-efficient to help reduce their energy costs, according to The Times Herald.

New window shades and blinds can create a greener home
In addition to controlling the amount of light that filters in, certain window blinds and shades can form a tight seal on your windows to control air leakage.

Energy-efficient products tax credit extended
This law extended the energy-efficient products tax credit to all Americans, which could make a significant impact in the remodeling and home construction market.

Homeowners can take small steps to reduce their carbon footprints
In recent years, many Americans have become more eco-conscious. It’s likely that living more sustainably will still be among the top of many New Year’s resolution lists in 2011. One of the easiest ways that individuals who are looking to live more sustainably can do so is by upgrading their homes to be more energy-efficient and utilizing natural products.

German skyscraper adds energy efficient feature
A skyscraper in Bonn, Germany, has found an innovative way to keep their rooms cool during the summer. According to the Ottawa Citizen, the Post Tower has been outfitted with a computerized system that allows windows to respond to the sun's position in the sky. With this feature, the windows convert sunlight into energy, reduce solar glare and let in wind.

Save money on energy bill with interior shutters
Many homeowners are frequently looking for new ways to save money on their house. According to The Daily News, one of the best ways to do this is to hang the right window treatment, as many costs can be incurred by poor insulation.

Fair features energy-efficient window blinds
The third annual Delaware-based Renewable Energy Fair is little over a week away, and over 30 area vendors are getting ready show their eco-friendly products at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, the Cape Gazette Reports.

Retirement community begins energy-efficient overhaul
Two new buildings at a North Carolina retirement community are installing eco-friendly temperature controls, among other features, in an effort to go green. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the buildings will feature geothermal heating and cooling systems.

Window shades drastically lower Indiana home's energy bill
Fort Wayne, Indiana resident A.J. Patrick certainly is a man ahead of his time. According to The Journal Gazette, after the oil embargo of the early 70s raised energy prices, Patrick built his home to be as energy-efficient as possible and has now been reaping the benefits for 30 years.

Practice saving energy, even on vacation
Summer is the time when many people take off for a much needed, and much deserved, vacation. Even though a house may be unattended for a significant period of time, homeowners can still rack up a hefty energy bill that can eliminate all the good feelings that the time off created.

Conserve energy in the heat with honeycomb cellular shades
Temperatures in the Northeast reached triple digits earlier this week, and as people sought relief from the record setting heat they turned on the air conditioning. According to the Belleville Times, the increase in energy use led to power outages in New Jersey.

Keep blinds closed to lower temperature, conserve energy
Temperatures are beginning to climb as summer inches forward and not everybody is lucky enough to have air conditioning, but according to Eye Weekly, that doesn't mean there aren't other ways to ensure that one's house stays cool.

Cell shades may help reduce cooling expenses
During the hot summer months, many individuals run inside to beat the heat and cool down in air conditioned spaces. While turning down the AC may feel great at first, it can take a toll on homeowners' energy bills. But experts suggest that utilizing the proper window blinds may help individuals save money on summer cooling costs.

Save money, environment with honeycomb shades
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin announced this week that the state would be offering a rebate program for anybody who purchases an energy saving appliance, West Virginia MetroNews reports. The program is one of many across the country aimed at encouraging people to be more energy efficient.

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.

Combining Roman shades, valance can obscure ugly view
Regardless of how nicely decorated the interior of a home is, the view of the outdoors is often out of the hands of the homeowner. Whether it be a neighbors unkempt yard or a less than ideal landscape, there are ways to mask what's outside by making use of creative window treatments inside.

Cellular shades can help block summer noise
Summer is usually welcomed with open arms by individuals ready to enjoy the nicer weather and more time spent out doors. However, the warm weather may bring an increase of loud, potential harmful, noise.

Cell shades may help reduce cooling costs
As the weather heats up, many homeowners may turn down the temperature on their air conditioner units to cool off - which may get expensive. MSNBC.com reports that cooling costs run homeowners approximately $400/year on average. But investing in new window shades may help individuals save money on energy bills.

Canadian Research Council releases window blinds guidelines
Canada's National Research Council Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) has issued guidelines for the selection and operation of residential window blinds that reduce overheating in summer and heat losses in winter. The NRC-IRC used computer simulations and field energy performance data from houses at the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology.

Distressed wood blinds may help to create an energy efficient home
Dressing up one's windows may usually be regarded as a decorative afterthought, but homeowners may want to think twice before ignoring the blinds. Blinds are not only a stylish addition to one's home, they may also help save energy.

Cell shades may help homeowner's save money during hot summer months
When summer heat waves hit, homeowners may be prone to crank up their air conditioners and fans, which can lead to high electric bills. Installing cell shades can help keep homes from warming up, and can allow individuals to take a break from expensive air conditioners.