The Window Is Open For Saving Energy (NAPSA)—Asthe globe warms and energy costs soar, eco-friendly design has become a hot topic. It’s also a great way to save money. A good place to start looking at reducing energy consumption is at the window. Here’s why: It’s a simple scientific fact— heat moves toward cold. In winter months, heat is drawn to the cold glass of windows to escape a home. In warmer months, heat moves toward the windowsso that air conditioners have to work two to three times harder. In addition to being fashionable, highly functional and operable at the touch of a button, window fash- ions from Hunter Douglas can protect against heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, while reducing heating and cooling costs by as much as 25 percent. This leading manufacturer of custom window fashions has been pioneering energy-saving solutions at the window for decades. The Energy-Efficient Answer The concept for Duette shades —the first highly efficient yet fashionable window covering, introduced in 1985—was developed during the energy crisis of the late 1970s when Wendell Colson, now senior vice president of product development for Hunter Douglas, was a young architect and inventor in Massachusetts. “One night, as I was shivering in bed, a double curtain cametogetherin a regular folding pattern with a honeycomblike configuration, capturing air between the folds,” said Colson. “I saw this vertically, but I thought if we put it together horizontally, you would have a highly energy- Not only beautiful to look at and look through, these window fash- ions are energyefficient. efficient treatment because air would literally be trapped in the honeycombcells.” In light of the recurrence of the energy crisis, Hunter Douglas has introduced the Duette Architella™ Collection. It features a unique patented construction consisting of a honeycomb nestled within a honeycomb. This revolutionary technology provides two moreair pockets than traditional honeycomb shades, thus dramatically increasing energy efficiency. The Ultraviolet Answer Ultraviolet literally means “beyond the violet” in the visible spectrum of light. It enters the house as sunlight but will eventually fade floors, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabrics, carpeting and valuable artwork. Certain Hunter Douglas window fashions can block up to 99 percent of UV rays. Look for a “% UV blockage” rating. The higher a product’s rating, the better the protection. For more information, visit www.hunterdouglas.com or call (800) 274-2985.
