Cooperative Living November/December 2015 - 29

Q.
hen it's cold
t, my home
ls very
chilly, especially near
the windows. I can't
afford energy-efficient
replacement windows
right now, so can you
offer alternative
options? ―Cara M.
ou feel chilly sitting
a window, you're likeng
energy, which
up your utility bills.
during the summer
Almost all commercially available
window shades list the R-value on
A.
when heat transfers in and forces your
air conditioner to run longer. If
replacement windows will exceed your
budget, window shades are a reasonably
priced option that will help.
Remember to caulk and weatherstrip
your windows before making any
other window efficiency improvements.
Move a stick of lighted incense
near all gaps and watch the trail of the
smoke to find air leaks. Do this during
windy weather, or briefly switch on an
exhaust fan to draw outdoor air in
through the gaps.
Installing insulated window shades
will provide the most improved comfort
and energy savings year-round.
Several years ago, I installed Warm
Window shades with an R-6 insulation
value in my home office. This
increased the overall R-value from R-2
to R-8 and improved comfort.
When selecting insulated window
shades, there are important factors
to consider such as the R-value, how
well they seal when closed, ease of
operation and appearance. Before you
make a purchase, try to operate a sample
insulated shade that's similar in
size to your needs. If the shade is difficult
to open and close, you are less
likely to use it as often as you should.
the packaging. They typically
include some type of air-barrier film
sewn inside the shade to block airflow
through it. An aluminized or
other type of low-emissive film is
best to help block the radiant heat
transfer through the shade material.
There should be deep vertical
tracks, which mount on the sides of
the window opening, for the edges
of the shade material. Deeper tracks
create a longer path for air leakage
to travel, so they provide a better
seal. Adhesive-backed vinyl tracks
are often included with the shades.
Also, look for brush or foam weatherstripping
on the bottom edge
where it rests on the windowsill
when closed.
If you buy insulated shades that
do not have vertical tracks, it is possible
to make your own. Buy long
pieces of aluminum U-channel. Most
home-center stores carry them in the
hardware aisle. Stick them to the
wall with a strong double-sided tape,
or drill small holes and mount them
with screws. Aluminum is easy to
saw to length and easy to drill.
Cellular shades are a less expensive
option and are best to use where
you want some natural light to get
through. The double-cell shades
create an additional air gap for better
insulation. Since their width grows
as they are pulled up and collapsed,
side channels are not very effective
with this option.
The most common type of do-ityourself
window shade is a Roman
shade design. The key to efficiency
is to make it as thick as possible,
while still being able to fold it up
when opened. Include a reflective air
barrier between the center layers.
Reflective Mylar film works well for
this and is very flexible.
If you do not want to install or
make insulated shades, try closing
the drapes at night. Some drapes,
which are opaque and have a silvery
backing, offer more efficiency
improvement than plain fabric
drapes.
November-December 2015/www.co-opliving.com
The following companies offer
insulating shades:
Country Curtains,
800-937-1237,
www.countrycurtains.com;
Cozy Curtains,
800-342-9955,
cozycurtains.com;
Smith and Noble,
888-214-2134,
www.smithandnoble.com;
Symphony Shades,
877-966-3678,
cellularwindowshades.com; and
The Warm Company,
800-234-9276,
www.warmcompany.com. 
27
http://www.countrycurtains.com http://www.cozycurtains.com http://www.smithandnoble.com http://www.cellularwindowshades.com http://www.warmcompany.com
Cooperative Living November/December 2015

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