MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2009 1:28 pm

Heating and cooling makes up more than 50 percent of a normal home’s energy use, making it a family’s largest energy expense, according to the U.S. Department of Energy Assistance Program.

And now the federal government will help with some upgrades with the Weatherization.

The program will allow an average investment of up to $6,500 per home in energy efficiency upgrades and will be available for families making up to about $44,000 a year for a family of four.

Others funds are available in the form of rebates to homeowners, who make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes.
One of the easiest ways to reduce heating and cooling needs by as much as 45 percent is to use energy-efficient window treatments.

Window treatments reduce energy usage by preventing heat exchange by creating a barrier between the window itself and the conditioned, indoor air, Keith Bryant at Budget Blinds explained.

During the summer, closed window treatments, whether blinds or curtains, keep sunlight from heating cool indoor air, especially in the afternoon hours. During the winter, closed shade prevent warm air from cooling next to cold window glass, he added.

All window coverings can help keep your home cool in the summer months, but some do a better job than others, and Bryant has these tips for making your windows green.

Shutters and window shades are most often cited for reducing a home’s energy requirement from cooling, but solar fabric and window films can also reduce how much your air conditioner has to work to keep your home cool.

Window films in particular can cut energy costs by as much as 30 percent to 40 percent.

When buying shades, remember triple-cell cellular shades are more efficient than double- or single-cell shades.

And the thermal lining used in Roman shades can cut cooling requirements by reducing heat loss, Bryant said.
“The Elite Roman shade by DSC employs a honeycomb design,” he continued. “Originally, the design was intended to hide cords visible from the street side of the window, but the configuration aids in improving heat retention.”