From a Guest Blogger: How Staying Green Doesn't Have To Revolve Around Huge (And Pricey) New Boilers

The authorities have rightfully been pushing for us to turn green over the years. While they have their eyes firmly set on the environment, the carrot dangling (pictured) in front of homeowners is that they can shed their energy bills in the process.

However, a lot of the time the suggestions which are put out there revolve around mammoth home improvement projects. New boilers are probably the preferred choice for most authorities, simply because the newer models can reduce carbon emissions by such huge amounts compared to some which are a decade or so old.

The focus on new boilers, and other major improvement projects for that matter, means that some of the minor changes are often ignored. LED light bulbs, window seals and draught stoppers are some examples, but we’re going to concentrate on something which can create even bigger savings at relatively low expense – window treatments.

Considering the fact that most heat enters and escapes our homes through glazing, this should stand to reason. Unfortunately, it’s something which is often ignored, with most people unaware at just how advantageous some of the new window blind devices really are.

Window blinds have always played a small part in energy efficiency. After all, you’re effectively adding another layer to one of the thinnest parts of your building’s fabric.

Over recent times, the benefits have become so much more significant though. That “thin layer” which rests over the glazing can actually become much thicker, with insulated shades allowing this. In short, these are blinds which are designed in cellular shape, allowing cold air to become trapped and not force its way into a room. With some insulated shades being designed with up to three cells, it means the effects are truly incredible. In fact, some past users have reported puffs of condensation appearing when the blinds are opened, simply because of the immense temperature difference which occurs between both sides of the treatment.

It’s not all about keeping rooms warm though. Some of us are in the fortunate position of needing to cool our properties down and this is where further developments in the industry can help. Insulated shades can work, as these can function in the opposite way of stopping heat from escaping, but an even more efficient invention is the solar shade. This allows sunlight to seep through the windows, and ultimately reduce our reliance on synthetic lights, but it prevents all of the UV rays from creeping inside and turning up the heat.

Already, it’s becoming clear that temperature control really doesn’t have to start and end with a shiny new boiler. It’s worth mentioning that these burly devices can cost several thousand dollars, whereas a new window treatment can cost a fraction of that. When you also consider that the latter has also been responsible for savings of hundreds of dollars per year, it could be argued that this should be the first avenue that you explore if you are serious about improving the green-factor of your home.