The blackout shades are efficient in providing privacy and blocking sunlight. However, the question remains whether they reduce your monthly bills or not. It might seem that a thick curtain would lower your electricity bills, but that might not always be true. The energy you save depends on various other factors like the age of your home, the number of windows, the season, the time of the day, and so on. This article will try to determine whether blackout blinds can save energy expenses.
The Factors To Consider
Here we have tried to answer the question, taking into consideration different factors. Let us explain them one by one:
Drafty Homes
If you live in an old house that is not airtight, then the chances are high that heat might escape through drafty windows. When you live in a moderate winter climate, heavy draperies can save a lot of heat from escaping. However, you will have to choose the fabrics very efficiently. Go for the thick and heavy one. You can select thermal-resistant vertical blinds too. Whether you have single or double panes on your window will determine the amount of heat loss. Make sure to open the curtains frequently so the condensation between the glass and fabric can evaporate. This would prevent mould growth and increase the lifetime of your wooden frames.
Airtight Homes
There are slightly different strategies for saving energy bills in airtight homes. Closing vertical blinds during the daytime in airtight homes would mean that you’re losing on the natural heat. This means staying without curtains in airtight homes would keep the place warm. Hence, you can save a lot on your electricity bills.
The Air Conditioner
During summers, the ACs must work hard to maintain the temperature. If you put vertical blackout blinds here, you can block the direct sunlight. Keeping a white liner here would increase the reflection caused by the drapery. This means you will need less air conditioning here, so your bills will dip.
Lighting
Heavy draperies help keep the heat in or out of the home, depending on the climate. But there is one more thing to consider. When you close the blackout curtains during the daytime, you will be devoid of natural lights. This means that you might have to keep your electric lights on. In such situations, try going for energy-efficient lighting solutions. Turn them off when not in use, as that would save much of your money.
We have considered all the factors and have tried to justify if blackout curtains can save you money. Take ideas from here and design a solution for yourself that can provide you with maximum savings and efficiency. Close and open the drapes according to your requirements.
