
But did you know that blinds and shades can also reduce energy loss through windows, lowering your heating and cooling bills?
30% Of Home Energy Is Lost Through Windows
According to the US Department of Energy, during the winter season, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows. And during hotter months, about 76% of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become unwanted heat.
The right window coverings take advantage of the sun in either season. In winter, you can keep your blinds open throughout the day to take advantage of heat from the sun. In summer, you can close or partially close the blinds or shades to reduce unwanted heat gain.
Choosing The Right Window Covering For Energy Savings

While window blinds are quite effective at reducing summer heat and keeping your home cool, they are less effective at keeping your home warm in the winter. That’s because the gaps between slats make it difficult to control heat loss. Those same slats, however, offer a lot of flexibility in the summer months, since you can adjust them as needed to control light streams, glare and heat gain. After all, when fully lowered and closed during the summer, highly reflective blinds can reduce your home’s heat gain.

Ensure A Great Window Blind or Shade Installation
While window blinds and shades can be incredibly helpful at reducing heating and cooling costs, they won’t get you as far if they are not installed correctly.
The proper installment is important in getting the most bang for your buck. Your installer should mount the shades as close to the window glass as possible and flush against the connecting wall, creating a tight seal that minimizes both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric (a light color on one side and a darker color on the other) add more functionality.
Pro tip: if your shades are reversible, try flipping them around based on the season. Place the light color outward during summer to reflect heat, and inward during the winter to absorb and retain it.
The professionals at Valley Shades are experts at measuring your windows and installing the correct window blinds and shades for maximum energy efficiency.
Window Blinds From Valley Shades
If budget is a determining factor, faux wood blinds bring home the timeless appeal of genuine wood blinds, and at an attractive price. From durable, moisture-resistant composite blinds that embrace practicality in bathrooms and other high-humidity rooms, to teak faux wood blinds for that spot-on styling accent, faux wood blinds set the standard when durability and fashion count most.

If budget is a determining factor, faux wood blinds bring home the timeless appeal of genuine wood blinds, and at an attractive price. From durable, moisture-resistant composite blinds that embrace practicality in bathrooms and other high-humidity rooms, to teak faux wood blinds for that spot-on styling accent, faux wood blinds set the standard when durability and fashion count most.
For moisture resistance, durability, and energy efficiency, composite blinds from Valley Shades are an ideal solution. Their real-wood look adds luster-rich, timeless styling, and our advanced UVA inhibitors help prevent warping and yellowing with age.
We also offer vinyl, aluminum, cordless and motorized blinds, so we have something for every home and every budget!
Window Shades From Valley Shades
If you’re opting for window shades, Valley Shades has everything you need to find the perfect fit for your home.
For maintaining your view while reducing glare and harmful UV rays, solar shades are a great solution.

We also have an impressive selection of bamboo shades and woven wood shades if you prefer a simple, clean and natural look.
5 Tips For Maintaining Energy Efficient Windows
No matter what type of window blinds or shades you choose, follow these five tips below to increase the energy efficiency in your home:
1. Make sure doors and windows are properly weather-stripped
2. Caulk around basement windows and storm windows
3. When heating or cooling, keep windows locked to maintain a tight seal
4. Open your window coverings during sunny winter days to welcome solar heat, then close them at night to keep it in
5. Tightly close your window coverings during hot summer days to keep the heat out
Schedule A Free Consultation Today!
Ready to optimize your home’s energy efficiency with beautiful, stylish, and affordable window blinds or shades? Contact Valley Shades to schedule a free, in-home consultation! Give us a call at (503) 489-8321 or request a consultation.