You spent hours agonizing over what color, length, and type of curtains to buy. You dropped significant dollars to get custom-made blinds that perfectly accented your room decor. You believed them when decorators talked about the simple facelift window treatments can provide a room, but did you know they can also save you on energy costs?
It doesn't get much simpler than this: in colder temperatures, open your curtains or blinds in the morning to let the sunlight in when you're leaving for work, school, or play. Any warmth you get from the natural rays is warmth you don't have to turn up the thermostat for.
The reverse is true in the summer. I know, the sunlight is beautiful and lights up the room (and opening the blinds or curtains may be habit) but save that for when you'll be home to enjoy it! During the week, if you're going to work for eight hours anyway, leave the blinds closed until you get home. You can keep the room a degree or two cooler and still open the window treatments when you get home to bask in the evening rays.
No, this is not going to eliminate your need for air conditioning or heat. But it can help you use less of both. Just open and shut.
