Window Treatments for Washington, D.C. Homes Helps Environment Too
With some of the fastest-growing nations situated in some of the world’s hottest climates, the use of air conditioning is expected to skyrocket in coming decades.
It’s good news for public health and economic productivity, but there are concerns about the large amount of energy needed to meet that demand, especially in countries that still rely predominantly on the most polluting sources of electricity.
“Should the world eventually adapt the US level of need for cooling, energy demand for air conditioning would be equal to about 50 times the current demand for cooling in the US,” said Michael Sivak, a researcher at the University of Michigan and author of a study of global air conditioning use published in the September-October 2013 issue of American Scientist.
Nobody likes to work for hours in a sauna, but nobody likes a blackout either. Unfortunately, the rise in demand for air conditioning is on the verge of doing just that, according to recent study published on American Scientist. As more countries grow into economic hubs, more and more people are able to afford an air conditioner for their home. However, Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan says the energy demand in this case will grow 50 times more than that of the U.S.
This goes out to the 87 percent of households in the country with air conditioning, consuming a total of 185 million kWh of electricity every year. The need to lessen use, if not dependence, on cooling comes at an impeccable time. The Department of Energy finds an unlikely ally in the fight to provide enough energy for the future: window treatments. With proper management, the DOE believes blinds, shades, and other window treatments in Washington, D.C. And other areas can reduce heat gain by more than 70 percent.
Blinds, for instance, can reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. Light-colored blinds perform well in keeping the heat out, but reflective aluminum blinds does the job better. Leaving the solar side of the aluminum blinds unfinished can increase the reflectivity of the window treatment[2]. On the other hand, shades are more versatile if you switch between the light and dark sides between seasons for cutting heat gain and heat loss respectively.
Reduction in heat gain should be enough to lessen use of air conditioning even in the hottest months in DC. Quality Washington, D.C. window treatments from dealers like Beltway Blinds can make the difference between a greener and hotter world.
[Info from: The Christian Science Monitor, August 22, 2013]
