– written by Beth Haley

Last month I participated in Lipscomb University’s Tennessee Green Business Summit as one of the speakers in the mini-seminars. I presented in the Residential Interior Design seminar. One of the questions asked during the sessions was, what are ways to conserve energy in your home? While I had prepared to discuss interior materials and finishes, I felt inspired to answer based on my interior design experience. Most of the energy used in our homes goes to heating and cooling. Expensive but effective options could include changing your heating and cooling method and changing windows to double or triple glazing with low-E-coatings and gas fills. Keep in mind the cheapest and first recommendation is to seal all gaps within your home.

Because I most often work with window solutions (and not HVAC), I chose to discuss those energy saving options. When selecting windows compare the U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) energy performance ratings. Select based on window orientation and the type of energy consumed – heating or cooling. If you are concerned with cooling, the SHGC is more important. Look for SHGC ratings below 0.40. If you are concerned with heating, look for windows with the lowest U-factor you can afford (0.35 maximum). If both are a concern, look for both a low U-factor and a low SHGC. For southern facing windows where you want passive solar heating, select windows with a high SHGC (above 0.50 minimum). 

Less expensive options include adding solar film to your windows, adding landscaping, rearranging the use of a room, and/or adding window treatments.
Solar film can reduce heat gain and reduce fading to your floors or furnishings by providing 99.9% UVA/UVB protection and reduce eye strain through glare reduction. Solar film is applied directly to interior panes. Solar films have improved over the years in their appearance and performance. I have added them to windows with high exposure and left the rest of the windows uncovered without a noticeable difference.

Planting trees, adding awnings or designing trellises near south and west facing windows will provide shade in the summer months, add visual interest and maintain lower energy usage. Consult with an expert on the most effective type of plantings for coverage and maintenance.

Think about use of space – can you modify the use of a space to take advantage of southern facing windows in the winter and northern facing windows in the summer? I have flipped the function of rooms depending on the season and/or amount of use a space receives. In the winter my son’s play space moves into our dining area to take advantage of the large window with southern exposure.

Window treatments can also affect heat gain and glare. Sheers are light and airy and can deflect the summer heat (and a bad view) while adding drama or coziness to a space. Think about the feeling you want to achieve in the space when selecting the fabric. Silk is not the fabric of choice with extensive southern or western exposures even if it has blackout lining. Look for organic cottons and linens or recycled content fabrics.

While these are just a few options and ideas, I hope it will inspire you to look at your home and your lifestyle for energy reduction solutions. Little changes can make a difference in the comfort of your home, energy savings/lower usage and the overall solution for sustainability. Keep your eyes and mind open for these opportunities. Use this welcomed spring sunshine to motivate yourself for change and action!