First of its Kind Cellular Shade Rebate Program Brings Savings and Comfort to Coloradans
First of its Kind Cellular Shade Rebate Program Brings Savings and Comfort to Coloradans
BROOMFIELD, CO – (JANUARY 27, 2022) – The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) and Hunter Douglas have partnered to promote energy and money saving opportunities for homeowners by featuring cellular shade rebate offered by the state’s largest utility, Xcel Energy.
The first utility in the nation to offer a rebate program for energy-rated cellular shades, Xcel Energy Colorado customers are now taking advantage of the rebate offer which will run through 2022.
As a qualifier for the program, products must be rated and certified through the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC), an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to rate, label and certify the energy performance of window attachments.
Homeowners are feeling rising heating costs, punctuated by inflation and drastic weather changes. One of the most impactful yet easiest ways to lower your energy bill is by updating your window coverings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are one of the first places to start when thinking about improving energy efficiency in the home, as heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for up to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. One way to combat that is by adding energy-efficient window coverings or window attachment products, such as energy-rated shades.
A recent case study details this first-of-its-kind Xcel Energy Cellular Shade Rebate Program, including how one Coloradan saved nearly $1,000 with the rebate in addition to the energy savings from using cellular shades.
The possible benefits of widespread installation of energy-efficient shades are huge. In older homes, window systems typically account for 25 percent of annual heating and cooling costs but can be responsible for as much as 40 percent. This means many homeowners are spending more money than necessary on heating and air conditioning. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research has shown that window attachment products have the potential to reduce that energy usage significantly.
“We are proud to partner with Hunter Douglas to help homeowners not only save with the initial rebate offering, but to provide energy savings and increased comfort throughout the year, as they move from cold to hot temperatures,” said Ralph Vasami, Executive Director of AERC.
“Broomfield, Colorado is home to Hunter Douglas’ Window Fashion Division so we are very familiar with the dramatic weather we have been having this winter in Colorado. Homeowners who are looking to keep their homes warmer and save money, have the opportunity to change out their old, inefficient blinds or shades to ones that will make them more comfortable and the rebate helps,” Stacy Lambright, Hunter Douglas Energy Efficiency Program Manager.
More information about Hunter Douglas products can be found online. AERC certified products and their ratings can be found using the AERC Certified Product Search tool, available at www.aercenergyrating.org.
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About the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC)
The AERC is an independent, public interest, non-profit organization whose mission is to rate, label and certify the energy performance of window attachments such as blinds, shades, shutters, and storm windows. AERC is made up of a diverse set of stakeholders, which include product and component manufacturers, non-profit organizations, government bodies, testing labs and utility companies. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), AERC provides accurate and credible information about the energy performance of window attachments, which helps the public–including homeowners, architects and builders—make informed decisions when it comes to buying window attachment products. To learn more about AERC certification or the AERC Energy Improvement Program, visit www.aercenergyrating.org.
About Hunter Douglas
Hunter Douglas Inc., headquartered in Pearl River, NY, is the leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window treatments in North America and a major manufacturer of architectural products. Get details at www.hunterdouglas.com.