WINDOW DECORATING EXPERTS TRANSLATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INTO BIG SAVINGS

With rising fuel costs and a nationwide push to conserve resources, the decorating teams at Fabricland of North Plainfield and Nassaus Window Fashions of Paramus are recommending special products for windows that cut the high costs of heating. "A properly treated window can still make a great decorative statement while reducing heat loss by up to 60%" , cites Lois Croce, buyer and manager of the stores' custom decorating departments. "We feel it's important to help our customers select treatments that are both well-designed and cost-effective when it comes to saving energy. "

A trip to the stores' custom decorating department and Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery will enable shoppers to view and operate the full line of energy-efficient products in a well-lit and comfortable display area. Among the most effective treatments is the Duette triple honeycomb shade that insulates the home at its most vulnerable points by blocking heat that travels through leaky window seams and radiates through the glass. These shades, which "trap" air in their cells and provides insulation at the window, contributes to lower overall energy costs year round, keeping homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They also come in a great variety of colors and styles for every room of the home, including motorized shades specifically for skylights and large windows. Palm Beach Shutters, a sleek "louvred" look for both windows and large sliding glass doors, are another very effective solution for saving energy because they are custom made to fit tightly at all angles of the window to keep heat inside.

Insulated thermal suede-lined draperies and board mounted top treatments are other decorative ways to add insulation to a room and increase " R-values" on your windows. Extending draperies past the window, with a generous overlap of fabric on each side, forces heated air to take a longer course to get to the window, thereby saving an additional 10% on energy. Adding board-mounted top treatments such as a valance or cornice also prevents air from escaping to the glass over the top of the drapery.

An important energy-saving product that has made a difference is Vista Window Film. While the right window covering can be very effective in blocking ultraviolet rays, window film is fast becoming an essential element that can make your home more comfortable. Simply applied to glass windows and doors, the film holds radiant heat and air conditioning inside and keeps sun-generated hot spots out, enabling you to enjoy comfortable consistent temperatures in every room . In addition to its energy-saving attributes, window film helps shield home furnishings and fabrics from fading, blocking a full 99% of damaging UV rays.