The colder months are upon us here in Michigan, with that comes a plethora of changes. Hot chocolates, teas, and coffees will begin to replace iced drinks of the summer. Long fluffy coats will soon be covering the once bare and tanned arms of passersby. And the “up” button on thermostats across Michigan households… They’ll once again become a dinnertime topic of who is allowed to touch it.

While there are plenty of jokes made about “thermostat wars” in the house, it’s always important to know how to keep your costs low during the winter, especially when gas prices are higher than normal. One big way is to ensure your home is energy-efficient.

Keeping your Home Energy-Efficient Through the Cold

Combatting the cold air and the high gas prices may seem like an impossible feat but here are some ways to keep your home energy efficient this winter:

Use a Programmable Thermostat and Keep Temperatures Low- 68º is the recommended temperature for homes during the winter, but you don’t need the house to be at 68º all the time. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set lower temps for when you’re away at work or through the night while you’re sleeping. That way you don’t have to worry about remembering to change the temperature.

Keep Up your Furnace- Make sure you’re getting regular tune-ups, changing the air filters, and cleaning the vents on your furnace. Not only does this help air move through your home more efficiently, but also helps your furnace live a longer life.

Furniture and Fireplaces- These may seem common sense but doing these two simple things will help keep your home feeling cozy and warm. First, keep the flue to your fireplace closed (if you have one). It’s a direct portal to the outside winter air, but please make sure to open it for your Holiday fires. Secondly, move your furniture that may be covering up any vents, this helps the warm air better circulate through your home and keep pressure through the home balanced.

Insulate Windows, Doors, and Pipes- Utilize caulk and weatherstripping to add insulation and seal air leaks around doors, windows, and pipes. Door sweeps can be installed on doors leading outside where drafts may come in through the bottom.

Take Advantage of Window Coverings- During the day raise your window shades and throw back the curtains, allowing the warm sunlight to warm your home. At night drop the shades and close the curtains so the heat stays in. Make sure you’re using the right shades to ensure the cold air stays out.

These are just a few ways to keep your home comfortable and costs low during this winter season. Now let’s talk about where to find window coverings that help regulate the temperature of your home.

Finding Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Inside Views provides a wide variety of energy-efficient window covering options. Our top performer is our honeycomb shades. The insulating cell construction helps restrict the outside air, keeping both you and your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. There is a blackout option that allows for even more efficiency during the summer.

We can help you choose the best energy-efficient style and fit for your home, with a simple and free in-home consultation. We bring the options to you so you can see for yourself how they look, feel and work. If you’re interested in increasing your home’s energy efficiency this winter or just want to learn more, give us a call, our experienced team will guide you through all facets of your window transformation.

Learn More

Contact Us

You may have seen the name Kathy Ireland scroll across your screen after a movie ends or during your favorite TV show accompanied by the words “Special Guest Appearance.” You may even be able to picture one of her many magazine covers with Vogue, Cosmopolitan, or Sports Illustrated.

Just as Kathy worked her way to the pinnacle of her fashion modeling career — making a name for herself around the world as a supermodel — she took the world of entrepreneurship by storm.

Enter Entrepreneurship Era

Kathy founded the highly successful Kathy Ireland Worldwide Brand in 1993. As a brand marketing company exclusively tied to Kmart, she had her own clothing line complete with active wear, accessories, swimwear, and more.

As her firm turned 10 years old, she cut exclusive ties and switched her focus to the home furnishings business at the advice of her friend and mentor, Warren Buffett. By 2004, just one year after taking her firm in a new direction, Kathy Ireland Worldwide was marketing products from 16 manufacturers and selling them in more than 34,000 retail locations.

Que Alta Window Fashions

Kathy became a spokesperson for Alta Window Fashions in 2012. While she learned about the products, she began to see the major benefits Alta had to offer — including ease of use, a multitude of design options, and high-quality products. Soon, she began strategic talks with her foundation and Alta.

After series of designs and a lengthy product development process, Kathy Ireland Worldwide partnered with Alta Window Fashions. This exclusive window fashions program known as Kathy Ireland Home by Alta is part of her vision of “Finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.”

Since then, it has been more commonly known as Home by Alta. While she has dropped her name from the title, Kathy has continued to develop, design, and ensure that the Alta Window Fashions line continues to fit style trends while maintaining its functionality for all lifestyles. 

Inside Views

At Inside Views, we are happy to give our customers access to the Alta Window Fashions collection. We provide free in-home design consultations to make sure it is the best fit for you and your style.

To see these collections and more, visit our website — and be sure to contact us for your free consultation.

See more