Conserving energy in your home isn’t just about saving money; it is also about keeping your family comfortable all year long. But how do you decide what energy savings measures to take first? The best way to accomplish this is by taking a whole home approach. In other words, don’t just see your home as one entire system, but as different parts working together to run your home.

According to the Department of Energy, most families in the United States spend around $2000 a year on their utility bills. Most of the money that is being spent on energy is being wasted. The waste comes from leaks in windows and duct work, appliances that are out of date, and HVAC systems that don’t run properly. But what if you could cut your energy savings by 25%?

It might seem overwhelming to try and tackle the areas in your home where energy is being wasted. By keeping these simple energy saving tips in mind, you can start to see results in no time.

• Turn lights, computers, TV and other electronics off when they are not in use or when you leave a room.
• Opt to air dry dishes instead of using the dry cycle on your dishwasher, and try to only run the dishwasher when it is full.
• The same applies to washing clothes. Only wash full loads and try to line or air dry clothes when you can.
• Don’t let the outside air in if you are running the AC or heat, as this wastes excess energy. If your home becomes too hot or too cold, adjust the thermostat and use your ceiling fans, which are designed to help better circulate the air all year long.
• Try to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower and install low-flow showerheads for maximize energy savings.
• When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star Label, which means the products meet the strict efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and Department of Energy.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat, which can help you efficiently manage your home’s heating and air conditioning system.
• Check to make sure all your windows and doors are properly sealed. Even the smallest leak can add up to costly energy bills.

Now that you’ve applied these simple steps to your home’s energy consumption, it is time to take conservation to the next level. Living in the Sunshine State means you can enjoy sunny weather almost all year, but it also means that the hot temperatures can wreak havoc on your energy savings.  One of the easiest changes you can make is by changing your window blinds and shades in Jacksonville.

Having any type of covering on your window is always better than not having a covering at all. Though knowing which covering to choose can be a challenge, especially when you want to save energy, without sacrificing the benefits of natural light.

• Shades with UV Protection – these shades provide great insulation from the elements, as well as block out harmful UV rays, which can cause your items in your home to fade over time
• Shades with Temperature Control – because these shades have an insulation barrier they help you control the temperature of any room and lower your energy consumption
• Shades with Light Diffusion Technology – with these shades light is diffused throughout the room, which means no matter how hot the temperatures are outside, your home always stays cool
• Shades with Energy Smart Technology – because these shades feature a honeycomb design, they are better able to trap air, which means greater energy savings, as well as a cooler home in the summer and warmer home in the winter

Honeycomb shades are one of the most popular options for homeowners who want to save on their utility bills. Designed specifically to conserve energy, honeycomb shades come in a variety of styles, ranging from single cell to double cell and even triple cell. The amount of cells determines how much energy you can actually save. Shades with smaller and more numerous cells will offer better insulation. When shopping for honeycomb shades, be sure to choose the cell configuration that is right for each room in your home. For instance, a double cell might be more ideal for larger rooms that get more sun, while a single cell might be better for smaller rooms that don’t see as much sun. Another benefit of honeycomb shades is that they also offer opacity options, ranging from light filtration to room darkening. These types of shades help to block or filter out light, which also means you’ll save on your energy bills.

For help choosing the right window blinds and shades for your home, visit All About Blinds and Shutters showroom. We are your premier window blinds and shades factory in Jacksonville. We offer a full line of blinds and shades to meet all your needs.