The Energy Efficient Window Coverings Currently Available

Individuals and organisations that use air conditioning systems might have noticed an increase in the cost of maintaining this service during extreme climatic conditions. Heat and cold are usually attracted to each other, according to scientific research. Some form of insulation is required to control heat gain and heat loss during both summer and winter. It is possible to cut down expenses by using energy efficient window coverings.

There are three main mechanisms involved in the regulation of room temperature using these coverings. They include day lighting, insulation and solar heat control. Insulation is the blockage of heat flow from one place to another. The propensity of a material to effectively achieve this is measured in R-values. The higher the R value, the more effective it is.

Solar heat control is simply regulating the amount of solar energy that enters a room. Since the sun is the main supply of heat energy, the amount of heat gain can be adjusted by regulating how much of it enters a room. The amount passing through is referred to as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient or simply, SHGC.

Day lighting is when one decides to use natural light to use a room as opposed to electric lighting. In such a case, one needs to choose a good material that will let in adequate sunlight. This option is considered efficient because it reduces the total costs involved in lighting. This is more important to large organisations than to single users. Materials such as panels, planes, louvers, vanes and slats are useful in cases such as this.

Awnings are a good option of minimizing heat gain. Their effectiveness ranges from 65 to 75% reduction in heat gain. Reduction is highest in east and west-facing windows. If the heat is extreme, there may be need to cover the entire side rather than just a single window. In the past, awnings were made of metal or canvas. They were not very durable and there was need to seek other alternatives. Currently, awnings are made of polyvinyl and acrylic materials. They are treated to make them water and fade resistant.

Blinds are also very effective. They may either be vertical or horizontal. They are more effective in reducing heat gain than heat loss. Blinds are either put interiorly or exteriorly. When placed internally, there are many openings left between the slats. This makes them a bit ineffective in the control of heat loss. They are much better in summer when there is need to reduce heat gain. Exterior blinds are made of aluminium, vinyl, wood or steel. The slats in this case approximate closer together. Blinds reduce heat gain by about 45%. The slats can be adjusted to provide ventilation.

Draperies are another option. Their effectiveness depends on the fabric type (whether open or closed weaves) and the colour. The medium coloured ones reduce gaining of heat by about 33%. Pleats and folds of the draperies lose heat through the process of convection. Prevention of heat loss is about 10%. During the cold seasons, they should be as close to the windows as possible to reduce heat loss through convection.

High-Reflectivity Films work by reflecting back the sun rays that fall on them. They therefore reduce the net heat gain. They come in different colours but the silver, mirror like type has been established to be the most effective. Their main disadvantages include impairment of visibility, unwanted reflections and difficulties in cleaning. The other available energy efficient window coverings being used include insulated panels, overhangs, mesh window screens, shades and shutters.

You can visit the website www.shiftshade.com for more helpful information about The Available Energy Efficient Window Coverings

The Energy Efficient Window Coverings Currently Available