Information that Can Make Your Home More Attractive & Energy-Efficient

Energy costs: No laughing matter
Whether it's retaining heat in the winter, shading the sun's rays in the summer, or providing maximum UV blockage and sound absorption, the proper window coverings can substantially cut energy costs and improve comfort levels and overall décor. The result is a surprisingly early return on investment and a refreshing new look for which your clients will thank you for years to come.

Planning ahead: Fashion meets efficiency
When choosing window coverings for a home, planning for energy efficiency is a must. The expert team at Blinds.com offers the following information on window covering options that maximize the energy efficiency of a home, while adding fashion flair that dares at a bargain:

Cellular Shades: Superior insulation and a view from the top
• Choose your shade. Cellular shades are available in different grades of opaqueness; from light-filtering to room-darkening varieties. Side rails, which completely eliminate outside light, can also be added.
• The more, the better. Cellular shades come in single, double, or triple-celled shades. The more cells you have, the better your insulation and ability to block glare.
• Size does matter. If your window is large, it's smart to choose larger cells. The larger versions have more static air and act as a better barrier for energy efficiency.
• Enjoy the view. Another benefit of the cellular shade is that when raised, cellular shades stack higher than most products, giving you an unobstructed view.
• They're easy and effective. You'll be amazed at how effective cellular shades are at conserving energy, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are to install.

Wooden blinds: Solid decorative flair and solid insulation
• Close the holes. The no-route-holes choice, referred to as the "De-light" option, will eliminate the holes in the center of the blind's slats, allowing them to close tighter. As a result, your room will be darker and more energy-efficient.
• Block the glare. The "De-light" option also comes in handy when trying to eliminate glare on a TV or monitor - or to prevent a bright security light from beaming into your bedroom.
• The fact is faux. Faux wood blinds are available either in solid vinyl or in a combination of vinyl and wood. Plus, specially-shaped trapezoid bottom rails allow the blind's slats to close tighter, resulting in better blockage of light and outside elements.
• Heads up. When closing blinds, you'll maximize insulation if you close the blinds with the leading edge up.

Vertical blinds: Low maintenance and light-controlling
• The vertical challenge. These blinds are popular and well-suited for wide windows and patio doors.
• Don't vane in vain. Choose vanes made either of vinyl (PVC) or fabric verticals, which can be backed with vinyl to block out more heat, as well as keep out more light.
• Function with flair. Over the last few years, the PVC selection has grown in popularity, due to manufacturing processes that can make PVC look like fabric by actually embossing the surface of the vanes. So you'll get the flair of "fabric" with the lower price and ease of cleaning normally associated with PVC.

Sheerweave Sun Control shades: A fresh alternative to the ordinary
• Equally elegant and efficient. Sun control fabrics add beauty and elegance to complement the interior décor, while enhancing the quality of light at the    window.
• Beauty never fades. This type of fabric also helps reduce the fading of drapes, carpets and other interior furnishings, while continuing to offer a view    to the outside.
• Easy does it. All sun control shades come standard with continuous loop clutch mechanisms, so the system raises and lowers the shades easily and    evenly for smooth, trouble-free performance. This translates into no more long, dangling cords or frustrating cord locks or cleats to hassle with.