As Heat Wave Blankets the Nation, Insulated Window Treatments Provide Relief

Stockbridge, MA, July 26, 2006 --(PR.com)-- As heat waves bear down across the United States, many Americans are considering alternate means to keep their homes cooler using less energy this summer. One popular option to reduce energy costs is through insulated window treatments, such as those offered by Country Curtains®. Insulated window treatments form a barrier between the hot temperatures outside and the cooler temperatures inside the home. Country Curtains offers a vast selection of insulated window treatments year-round through the company’s Web site, mail-order catalog and in any of the 24 Country Curtains® retail stores.

“If you have ever stood by a window on a sunny day or cold night,” says Vice President of Merchandising, Leo Kavanaugh, “then you know that windows have a lot to do with how comfortable a home feels. Because heat moves from warmer to colder areas, it’s important to close windows during the hottest times of the day, usually from 11 am until 3 pm, and cover the window with a heavy window treatment so that the window does not create a greenhouse atmosphere in the room. We offer insulated window treatments in many styles and colors, so it’s easy to incorporate these into a décor without the need for redecorating.”

Country Curtains has entire lines that are dedicated to addressing the growing desire for insulated products including Insulated Weaver’s Cloth, Andrea toile, Blackout, Country Cottage, Laurel Place, and Insulated & Lined Belle Fleurs, as well as shades such as Insulated Essex Roman Shade, Dorset, and Insulated Shade with Ruffles.

Country Curtains also suggests energy savings tips to homeowners to ensure the efficiency of the insulated window treatments. One, keep all windows and doors shut during the hottest hours of the day. Two, keep window treatments drawn to block out the sun and maintain cool indoor temperatures. Three, set the air conditioner to 78˚ F when home, and higher when not in the house. Four, use all major appliances early on in the day and later at night. And five, turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances as they could generate additional heat. Utilizing these tips will greatly increase the effectiveness of the insulated window treatments and the cooling system—whether it is an air conditioner or fan—within a home.

“Energy conservation is always a hot topic, whether Americans are experiencing a heat wave or not,” mentions Kavanaugh. “Insulated window treatments have become increasingly popular because they can be used all-year long, in warm or cold temperatures. They are also very affordable for the average consumer. In the long-run, purchasing insulated window treatments are a good investment because they will reduce household energy bills while providing relief year after year from summer’s extreme temperatures.”

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Founded in 1956 by Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick, Country Curtains® is a private family and employee owned company, celebrating its golden anniversary this year. The company is known for its tasteful window treatment designs, quality fabrics and workmanship, ready-made affordability and extraordinary customer service. Country Curtains makes much of what it sells and markets its products through its national catalog, its 24 Country Curtains® retail shops from Portsmouth, NH to Richmond, VA and from Boston to Chicago, and its Web site, www.countrycurtains.com. The company is headquartered in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.