We are doing some things around the house to help improve “the looks” while at the same time save some money on our energy bill. We have had ceiling fans for a while, and although some designer decorating programs on TV HATE them, they really are a good investment. Fans are energy efficient, helping to keep us cooler in the summer and also warmer in the winter (by distributing the air and forcing the hot air that has risen to the ceiling downward). Even though we have central air, we really love our fans.
Something new we are doing is adding pleated blinds to our house. We are doing one room at a time, replacing the mini-blinds with the pleated blinds. In our opinion they look nicer, are easier to use, and require less cleaning; but more importantly (well to me–my wife things the looks and the less cleaning are more important!) they help the energy efficiency of the house. In the summer they reflect heat out, keeping the house cooler; in the winter they trap heat in, keeping the house warmer. The brand we bought was Hunter Douglas, but there are several manufacturers and multiple styles and types. Some open from the bottom up or the top down, some are opaque always leaving light in, some are completely room darkening, to name a few types.
Anyway, with a little time and money, you can spruce up a home to look more attractive and be more energy efficient.
What are you doing this summer to help your house be more energy efficient?
