You can save a lot of money by the type of window treatments you choose to put up. If you can not afford new windows, here are some window treatments that will help you save money.
First make sure all of your windows work. Find out if your windows need basic repairs or leaks that need to be sealed. Restricting air flow at the bottom of your windows is a key to saving energy.
Letting direct sunlight into your rooms in the winter can help warm the room and adds more heat than is lost. Drapes should stack off windows to allow maximum sunlight in the winter. Horizontal blinds, require more frequent cleaning, but also allow more sunlight to enter rooms than vertical blinds. This is due to the angle of the slats.
Draperies are the most common type of window treatment. More folds and fuller drapes result in more trapped air. Lined drapes are better insulators than un-lined drapes. Separate liners are slightly better than attached linings. Combine the right types of window treatments for more energy savings.
Light colors reflect while dark colors absorb. Light colored materials reflect 80% of sunlight and should be placed closest to the glass. Use dark colors on the interior of your window treatments. They absorb 88% of sunlight and increase heat in the room.
Metal conducts heat and cold so think about using wood, faux wood or acrylic instead. Fuzzy, rough and textured fabrics absorb radiant heat.
Fabrics that are tightly woven reflect air better than loosely woven fabrics, which allow air to penetrate the room. Quilted, foam back, or suede back drapes also work as air traps.
Saving money on your utility bill, can be as easy as changing your window treatments.