This winter season has certainly challenged us with many elements. From rain, snow, ice, wind, frigid temperatures for some and tornadoes for others. In essence, it has been a very long winter. It has left us questioning how well our home or office is functioning in regards to energy efficiency. The extreme outdoor temperatures make us keenly aware of the basic laws of nature: heat moves to colder areas through conduction, convection or radiation. Here is a little science lesson (or reminder) of heat transfer. You may want to wrap in a blanket before you begin reading this.

Conduction is when heat moves through a solid material like glass, spacers and frames around the windows. Multiple-glazed windows with argon gas between the panes as well as thermally resistant spacers and window frames help reduce conduction. Yet despite the most beautiful and expensive windows, we still feel the effects of conduction.

Convection is when heat touches the window and becomes cool. As the air cools it becomes dense and drops. Warm air then rushes in to take its place near the window glass. This is also known as the convection loop cycle. Yet despite multiple-glazed windows with argon gas and thermally resistance spacers and frames we can still feel the cold draft.

Radiation is the movement of heat from a warmer body to a colder body through energy waves. Clear glass absorbs heat and transfers it to the colder area. Radiant heat loss is felt in much the same way as conduction and convection as a cold draft. Despite top of the line windows, nature takes its course.

Does this mean you should buy a house or office without windows? NO and I doubt you would be able to find one anyway. Window treatments add a barrier to heat flow and improve energy conservation. Properly fit shades, blinds or shutters impede heat loss. Add another layer with drapes and improve the insulative effects around the windows. Valances stop the flow of air from the top of the window. Now use your custom window treatments properly. Close them at night to hinder heat loss and open them during the day when the sun is out to help warm the interior in the winter. Close them during the summer when the suns rays can damage and over heat the interior.

Yet despite the most beautiful and expensive windows, we still feel the effects of conduction, convection and radiation. However properly fit custom window treatments will improve energy efficiency and the interior comfort level of your dwelling.