Window Treatments Sell (Again) for Good Reason
The media, global governments, and much of the world's population are now more than aware of the importance of making energy-conscious product choices. Happily, window treatments rise to the top of the list of interiors products that clients can select to improve their comfort and save energy. However, they may need your help to remind them of the wisdom of this strategy.

As designers, workrooms, and retailers, you've guided your clients to express their needs regarding design preferences and decor values. Now is the time to reiterate that the mere presence of window treatments can truly impact their physical comfort and save them money. The choice to have nothing at our windows isn't so smart anymore. Even clients with great views in temperate regions will need to consider adding window treatments like window film and/or motorized solar shading to every window to avoid UV-related damage of expensive flooring, upholstery, and furniture.

Energy Prices Headed One Way Up
Customers are looking for ways to manage out-of-control energy prices. Bring window treatments to their attention as a way to regain power over these costs. According to the US Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website, most conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10% when drawn during cold weather.

By combining techniques to reduce heat exchange or convection, like hanging draperies as close to windows as possible and letting them puddle onto a windowsill or the floor, installing a cornice at the top of a drapery or place the drapery against the ceiling; and sealing the drapery at both sides with Velcro® or magnetic tape to attach draperies to the wall at the sides and bottom, your customers can reduce heat loss by as much as 25%. For a home that spends an average of $500 per month in heating costs, this could save the homeowner $1,500 per year. It's a great investment for your customer, and don't forget to remind them this savings will carry forward year after year, as energy prices continue to rise.

The Role of Film
Window film is important to use as part of the complete window-treatment project. Silver, mirror-like films can be more effective than the colored or transparent ones to combat heat. East- and west-facing windows have a greater potential for heat gain than the other windows in the house, and the rooms in can benefit more from the use of window film.

Window Treatments Have Always Been Green
Many companies are striving to make their home furnishings products in a sustainable and renewable fashion, as part of the effort to relieve stress on the earth's natural resources. But think about it just the act of adding window treatments keeps precious, expensively created heated and cooled air protected, and saves energy resources. It's critical to add window treatments in most American homes, just to keep heat from escaping in the winter, and protect air-conditioned air from external heat in the summer. This is a "green" product whenever it's present!

Some Window Treatments Can Manage Themselves
By adding shades to windows with the window film, clients can further increase energy savings and bring more style to the room, as well. Shades and other window treatments can be programmed to open and close as the room needs protection throughout the day. They can even be set to adjust automatically according to the position of the sun. Products like these give homeowners more power over their home's comfort and the added sense that the money they spend on window treatments is an important and beneficial investment, beyond their great looks.

US Department of Energy www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/windows_doors_skylights/index.cfm/mytopic=13500
The Blind Spot www.theblindspot.biz/energy-efficiency.htm
Designer Blinds www.designerblinds.com/CSTips/CSTips_231.htm
Hunter Douglas www.hunterdouglas.com/energy_efficiency.jsp