Real-world examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments

Everyday examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that really work

Let’s start with the fun part: real examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that regular people actually use and notice on their bills.

Think about three common situations:

• A sunny living room that bakes in the afternoon.
• A drafty bedroom that feels 10°F colder in winter.
• A home office where glare makes your screen unreadable.

In each of these, smart window treatments can help you use your AC and heat less. For example, a renter in Phoenix might add heat-reflective cellular shades and light-colored curtains to cut cooling costs, while a homeowner in Minnesota might install insulated drapes and snug inside-mounted shades to trap heat on icy nights.

These are not just pretty decor choices; they are real examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that change how your home gains and loses heat.

Best examples of energy-saving window treatments for hot climates

If you live somewhere that spends half the year above 80°F, your windows are like magnifying glasses for heat. The best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments in hot climates focus on blocking solar gain before it turns your living room into an oven.

Light-colored, reflective shades and blinds

A simple example of an energy-saving window treatment: light-colored roller shades or blinds with a reflective backing facing the glass. They bounce a lot of the sun’s heat back out.

• In a south- or west-facing room, keep these shades lowered during the hottest hours (usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Choose white or very light colors; darker fabrics absorb heat and radiate it into the room.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that highly reflective interior blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45% when fully closed and lowered over a sunlit window (energy.gov). That’s a textbook example of tips for energy-saving window treatments that cost little but pay off fast.

Solar shades that cut heat but keep your view

If you hate feeling like you live in a cave, solar shades are one of the best examples of energy-saving window treatments. They’re made from a screen-like fabric that blocks a chunk of heat and UV rays while still letting you see outside.

Look for:

• “Openness” ratings of 1–5% if you want more heat and glare control.
• Darker exterior-facing colors if you care more about glare reduction, or lighter if heat reduction is your priority.

Solar shades are especially useful in home offices where you need daylight but not the eye-straining glare on your monitor.

Exterior shading: awnings and exterior solar screens

One of the strongest examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments is to stop the sun before it even hits the glass. Exterior options do exactly that.

• Fixed or retractable awnings over south- and west-facing windows can significantly reduce summer heat gain. According to older but still relevant DOE data, awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows.
• Exterior solar screens or roller shades act like sunglasses for your house. They’re particularly helpful in very hot, sunny regions.

These examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments are more of an investment, but they can make a big difference in cooling-dominated climates.

Cozy-weather examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments in cold climates

If you’re more worried about drafts and frost than blazing sun, you want window treatments that trap heat, block drafts, and create a buffer between you and the cold glass.

Insulated cellular (honeycomb) shades

Cellular shades are one of the best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments for cold climates. Their honeycomb structure traps air, adding insulation right at the window.

Real-world use:

• Mount them inside the frame as close to the glass as possible.
• Choose double- or triple-cell for more insulation.
• Close them at night and on very cold, cloudy days.

The DOE notes that tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% in heating season and can cut overall heating energy use by around 10% (energy.gov). That’s a strong example of tips for energy-saving window treatments backed by data.

Thermal or insulated curtains and drapes

Thick, lined curtains are a classic example of an energy-saving window treatment that you can feel immediately. When they’re drawn, the room often feels less drafty within minutes.

To make them perform better:

• Choose curtains with a thermal or insulated lining.
• Install the rod so the curtains extend several inches past the window on each side and reach the floor.
• Use wraparound rods or return rods so the fabric curves back toward the wall, sealing the edges.

For extra insulation, some people add a separate insulating curtain behind decorative drapes. This layering is one of the best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that mix function and style.

DIY-style window quilts or insulating panels

If you like a project, window quilts or rigid insulating panels are another example of energy-saving window treatments. They’re usually made with:

• A decorative fabric on the room side.
• An insulating layer (like batting or rigid foam) inside.
• A way to attach them snugly to the window frame at night.

They’re especially handy for older, single-pane windows you can’t afford to replace yet.

Mixed-climate examples: window treatment strategies that work year-round

Many of us live in places that are hot in July and freezing in January. In those swing-season climates, the best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments are flexible strategies you can adjust with the weather.

Dual-purpose cellular shades

Top-down/bottom-up cellular shades are a smart example of an energy-saving window treatment for mixed climates:

• In winter, pull them fully down at night to trap heat.
• On sunny winter days, open them to let solar heat in, then close them again at dusk.
• In summer, drop them from the top to block harsh midday sun while still letting light in lower down.

This is a real example of tips for energy-saving window treatments that work with the sun, not against it.

Layering: blinds + curtains

Layering window treatments gives you more control. For example:

• Inside-mounted cellular shades for insulation.
• Outside-mounted blackout curtains for extra heat blocking and privacy.

In winter, you can open both during sunny hours to warm the room, then close both at night to keep that warmth in. In summer, you close the shade and curtain on the hottest side of the house while leaving cooler, shaded windows more open.

This layered approach is one of the best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that balance comfort, light, and privacy.

Smart-home examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments

Technology has finally caught up to window coverings. If you like automation, there are some impressive examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments using smart controls.

Motorized shades on a schedule

Motorized roller shades or cellular shades can be set to:

• Close automatically during the hottest part of the day in summer.
• Open on sunny winter mornings to let in warmth, then close at sunset.

Pairing them with a smart thermostat can help your heating and cooling system run more efficiently. Some utilities in the U.S. even offer rebates for smart-home upgrades, so it’s worth checking your local energy provider’s website or the ENERGY STAR rebate finder (energystar.gov).

Sensors and smart-home integrations

Some newer systems can connect to light sensors, temperature sensors, or even weather forecasts. For example:

• Shades automatically lower when indoor temperature rises above a set point.
• East-facing shades open at sunrise in winter but stay closed in summer.

These are higher-end examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments, but they show where the 2024–2025 trend is heading: windows that think for themselves.

Budget-friendly examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments for renters

Not everyone can drill into walls or replace hardware. The good news: there are plenty of renter-friendly examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that still save energy.

Tension rods and no-drill hardware

Use tension rods inside the window frame for lightweight thermal curtains or liners. This lets you:

• Add an insulating layer without making holes.
• Take everything with you when you move.

Pair this with a simple stick-on weatherstripping around the window frame to cut drafts, and you’ve created a low-cost, removable energy-saving setup.

Removable heat-control window film

Another example of an energy-saving window treatment for renters is temporary window film:

• Heat-control film reflects a portion of solar heat in summer.
• Insulating film (often sold as window insulation kits) adds a clear plastic layer to reduce drafts in winter.

These kits are widely available and can be removed at the end of the season with minimal residue when installed properly. They’re often recommended by energy-efficiency programs as a starter step for leaky windows.

Blackout curtains as multipurpose workhorses

Blackout curtains do more than block light. The thicker, denser fabric also helps reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

Hang them with tension rods or no-drill brackets, and you’ve got one of the simplest examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that also improve sleep and privacy.

How to choose the right examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments for your home

With so many options, it helps to think in layers: climate, window direction, and lifestyle.

Match window treatments to your climate

• Hot, sunny climates (e.g., Arizona, Texas): Prioritize solar shades, reflective blinds, exterior awnings, and light-colored treatments. Focus on blocking midday and afternoon sun.
• Cold climates (e.g., Midwest, Northeast): Focus on cellular shades, insulated curtains, and window quilts. Concentrate on reducing drafts and nighttime heat loss.
• Mixed climates: Look for flexible solutions like top-down/bottom-up cellular shades and layered treatments you can adjust by season.

The DOE’s Energy Saver site has more guidance on climate-appropriate strategies (energy.gov/energysaver). It’s a helpful reference when you’re deciding which examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments make the most sense for your region.

Pay attention to window direction

Not all windows are equal:

• South-facing: Great for winter solar gain if you open treatments on sunny days, but they may need shading in summer.
• West-facing: Often the hottest in the afternoon; prioritize strong sun control here.
• East-facing: Morning sun can heat bedrooms early; lighter shades or solar screens can help.
• North-facing: Usually the least sun; focus more on insulation than sun control.

Using different examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments on different sides of the house can be more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Consider your daily habits

The best examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments are the ones you’ll actually use.

Ask yourself:

• Will I remember to open and close them at the right times?
• Do I need lots of natural light for mood or work?
• How much privacy do I want during the day and at night?

If you know you won’t fuss with cords and schedules, keep it simple: maybe thermal curtains you can pull once in the evening and once in the morning. If you love gadgets, smart shades might be worth the splurge.

Quick checklist: real examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments you can try this season

To pull this together, here are some real-world, actionable examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments you can try without overhauling your whole house:

• In a hot climate, add light-colored, reflective roller shades to west-facing windows and keep them down from late morning through late afternoon.
• In a cold climate, install double-cell cellular shades in bedrooms and close them at dusk every day during heating season.
• Layer existing blinds with thermal curtains on the coldest or hottest side of your home.
• Use removable insulation film on the draftiest windows for winter, especially in older homes or rentals.
• Consider one or two motorized shades in the hottest room, set on a timer to close during peak sun hours.

Even choosing one example of an energy-saving window treatment from this list and using it consistently can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and costs.

FAQ: examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments

Q: What are some simple examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments I can do this weekend?
Close existing blinds and curtains on hot afternoons and cold nights, add a tension-rod thermal curtain to your draftiest window, and use removable window insulation film on at least one notoriously leaky window. These small steps are easy examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments that don’t require tools or a big budget.

Q: Which example of an energy-saving window treatment saves the most money?
In many homes, tightly fitted cellular shades paired with insulated curtains on the largest windows offer some of the best savings, especially in cold climates. In very hot regions, exterior shading (awnings or solar screens) can be the most powerful example of an energy-saving window treatment because it stops heat before it hits the glass.

Q: Are blackout curtains a good example of tips for energy-saving window treatments?
Yes. While they’re marketed mainly for light control, blackout curtains are usually made from dense fabric that also helps reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. For better performance, choose curtains that reach the floor and extend beyond the window frame on all sides.

Q: Do smart shades really save energy or are they just a gadget?
Smart shades can be a very practical example of tips for energy-saving window treatments when used wisely. By automating when shades open and close based on time of day or temperature, they help your home take advantage of free solar heat in winter and avoid excess heat in summer. That means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Q: Where can I find more technical information about energy-efficient window coverings?
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver site has detailed guidance on window coverings and their impact on heat gain and loss. You can start with their page on window treatments and coverings here: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings. It expands on many of the examples of tips for energy-saving window treatments discussed in this article.