Gordon's Window Decor Designers' Solutions

Governor Shumlin Celebrates GWD!

2011-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

As the rain poured down over Vermont last Friday night, nothing could dampen the spirits of the GWD team as we celebrated the grand opening of our new factory and showroom with friends, family and Governor Shumlin! Check out the photo of the whole gang.

It was so gratifying to see everyone having a really lovely time in the new space. I think back to when I was just a little kid running around the old GWD and though our old spaced served us well for 25 years we were bursting at the seams and it was time to move on. Seeing my dad speak about this company that he and my mom built from scratch with the Governor standing by made me incredibly proud.

The food by Sugarsnap was amazing, the wine from Cheese Traders was delicious, the many babies who joined us were angels...all in all I'd say it was a perfect evening!

After 25 Years in Essex Junction, Gordon’s Window Décor is Moving

2011-02-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

On February 25^th, after 25 years in The Fort Ethan Allen, Gordon’s Window Décor will be moving on.

“We have loved being in Essex Junction for all of these years.” Says Gordon Clements, President “and having one of the historic Fort buildings provided some “frugal down-to-earth” character. But we have just outgrown our building and the moment I saw the factory at 8 Leroy Road in Williston I knew it was perfect for our new home. It will more than double our production space in both area and height, and with a receiving dock on the east and a shipping dock on the west, we will get much better material flow through the building.

“We manufacture 70% or more of what we sell so it is really important that our production crew have the space we need to make the best possible shade we can.” Say Shannon Partridge and Julie Krebser, Production Managers “The 8 Leroy Road building definitely fits the bill”

So on February 25^th, with some sadness, Gordon’s Window Décor will be closing their doors on 4 Laurette Drive as they make the move over to Williston. “It is kind of the end of an era- I remember helping out as a 6 year old as Gordon’s and I grew up in this building” says Kelly Conklin, Clements’ daughter and the next generation of the company “but it is definitely time and I am really excited and optimistic as I take on the next 25 years of Gordon’s in Vermont!”

The new building at 8 Leroy Road in Williston

Design Solution of the Month!

2011-01-26T10:23:00.000-08:00

Today we’re talking with Joan. She has been a designer with Gordon’s Window Décor for 18 years. She recently encountered a job that required some creative solutions!

KC: So Joan, tell us about the job.

JS: Well, the customer has a living room part of which functions as a guest room when she has folks visiting from out of town. What the customer wanted a way to split up the room to offer guests some privacy when they were in their “room”, but she did not want the solution to be permanent so she could have full use of the living room when no one was visiting. AND she was on a pretty tight budget.

KC: Wow, that sounds like a tricky one! What did you come up with?

JS: We thought that a curtain hung on a rod installed with drop brackets from the ceiling would be perfect. This way, guests could pull the curtain across when they want privacy and they can easily open up the curtain to give the customer back her living room.

KC: Perfect! The rod from the ceiling sounds pretty challenging though.

JS: It was absolutely challenging for a couple of reasons. The dimension of the curtain is 206"wide X 103" long so that is a VERY heavy curtain and there are not a lot of rods that can handle that weight nor are there a lot of brackets, especially if the customer is on a budget. So I went over to Lowes to check out their plumbing supplies and found a not too obtrusive copper pipe that would hold the weight of the curtain, was not too heavy itself, and was very affordable. We splurged a little on the brackets, but that was okay with what we saved on the rod and voila! The perfect solution!

KC: That is so creative! We will be installing the curtain in a few weeks and will be sure to post pictures of the finished product then.

Lowe's Stores Recall to Repair Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds; Two near Strangulations Involved Young Children

2011-01-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

In light of the recent recall of 6 million Roman shades and 5 million roll-up blinds from Lowe’s Home Centers, Gordon Clements, of Gordon's Window Décor would like to discuss his company’s policy on child/pet safe window coverings. Gordon and Dianne moved to Vermont 27 years ago to raise their 3 daughters. And now with 2 grandchildren, are particularly concerned for child and pet safety.

Every year there are too many children whose lives are taken or forever altered in tragic accidents near windows that can so easily be prevented. Parents who replace their older window coverings with new cordless and motorized products can feel more confident about their child’s safety.

Gordon’s, along with the Window Covering Safety Council highlights these areas to address for optimum child safety.

1) Cordless and motorized are the recommended window coverings in homes with young children.

2) Check you present shades for cord loops that a child can get his/her head through; consider replacing any that do. Product origin may help as most, although not all, American manufacturers recognize child safety in their product design.

3) Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children.

4) Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall.

5) Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.

6) Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

7) Utilize Tensioner Devices (available at Gordon's Window Décor) on corded shades.

8) Don’t forget about your pets. Window covering cords can be dangerous for curious cats and dogs.

Make your windows beautiful for you as well as safe for your children and pets. Most custom window treatment companies offer an amazing variety of product to meet every need as well as on staff designers to assist and offer advice. Some, like Gordon's Window Décor manufacture locally so in addition to following safety protocols, as much as 80 cents on the dollar stays in Vermont. We hope that this article will help keep our children and pets free from needless and tragic accidents.

Color is our Most Affordable Luxury

2010-04-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

Color can be a scary thing. There is so much science out there telling us what colors make us happy, which make us eat more, which bring us harmony and on and on it is easy to see why committing to a color can be a daunting task.

But color truly is our most affordable luxury. When a new media center or family vacation is out of the budget making your home a private get away can be and color is the key. Window treatme nts are one of the simplest ways to get some color into your décor. Painting the walls a new color can be messy and time consuming. New flooring is expensive and can take ages. Window treatments are affordable, easily installed and can make a huge impact on the room.

Now you know you want your window treatments to provide that splash of color your room is missing, but how do you figure out what color is the right color? There are a few things to take into consideration which will all affect the colors you choose. Which direction is the room facing? What do you want the mood of the room to be? What is the natural light in the room like? What is the goal of the window treatment?

Once you have answered some of these questions bring some fabric samples home. Color changes in different environments so the color you fall in love with in the store may be the color you hate when it is in your home. Our designers are experts at helping their clients discover the colors that will work for them and their home.

Getting color into your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With the help of one of our designers you will not only end up with a gorgeous treatment that fits your budget and speaks to your style, but you’ll have a blast doing it!

Child Safety and Window Treatments

2009-12-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

One of the largest concerns in the window covering industry is child safety. Today’s recall of 50 million roller and roman shades from stores such as JC Penney, Wal-Mart and Target ignited a frenzy of conversation online.

We at Gordon’s Window Décor are committed to window treatment solutions that are safe for your family. Here’s the run down on child safety, window treatments and what you can do to make sure your family is safe.

1. Motorized window treatment solutions- Almost all of our window treatments can be motorized making raising and lowering shades easy and safe!

2. Cordless window treatments- No cords, no hassles! There are a variety of types of shades from cellular EcoSmart shades to Romans that have a cordless option.

3. Conversion possibilities- Because we are the factory our talented production team can convert shades that may pose hazards to the children in your life into shades that are beautiful and safe.

4. EcoSmart Cellular Shades- Our standard operating EcoSmart shades come standard with a breakaway cord equalizer, and our continuous cord shades have a hold down that is screwed to the wall. Cordless and motorized upgrades are available on all EcoSmart shades.

If you have any concerns regarding the safety of your shades give us a call or bring the shades into our showroom and we’ll be happy to look it over.

We are confident that our window treatments will keep your family more comfortable and safe for years to come!

Gordon Clements, President

Buttoning Up for Winter!

2009-11-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

The cold winds of winter are fast approaching and with it memories of the furnace working over time and those frigid zones surrounding our windows - freezing our feet and making it impossible to sit in our favorite sofa.

So how do we improve the insulation of our windows to temper that difference and reduce those cold differentials?

Storm Windows

In my old home we did an energy audit and per their recommendation I installed storm windows. That extra layer of glass was very effective at creating an additional layer of dead air space, significantly improving the insulation at our windows and reducing the cold. And they did not affect our view in any way.

It became part of our fall family ritual when, after that last leaf raking, my wife and I, with our three kids, would spend a day bringing out the tall ladder, retrieving the windows from storage, cleaning them up, tighten up the attachment clips, and install the storms.

We tried to make it a fun event - even cleaning out the eve troughs since we had the tall ladder out. Once done, we sure noticed the difference, as the house was tighter and warmer. And miraculously over the many years we had those storms none were broken in the process or over the summer!

EcoSmart Insulating Shades

For our new home, where the winds are even more severe, we elected a less expensive option - to install insulating cellular shades from GordonsWindowDecor.com. They are referred to as moveable insulation - so you can pull them up so they are virtually invisible when not required, and lower them for insulation when needed. We can take advantage of passive solar gain, vent our space when necessary, or create cozy privacy, all in a matter of seconds.

We installed the shades with side tracks and found them to be every bit as insulating as the storms - if not more so because there is a double layer of insulation within the shade AND the dead air space between the window and the shade. (A side benefit we discovered is that we really appreciate the shades almost more in the summer to reduce the heat gain as we do not have central air in Vermont.)

The ultimate luxury - since this option gave us a few dollars to spare, and we are lazy in the morning, we motorized our bedroom shades. With the remote at bedside, my wife can lift the shades to check the weather when still snuggled under the covers.

As for the family ritual – well the kids are thrilled that they no longer need to pull out the big ladder (don’t even ask me about the gutters!). We found that EcoSmart insulating shades really are a great way to solve the heat loss problem and make our home comfortable.

Build your own Cornice top - and save hundreds!

2009-08-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Like the high-end look of Cornice board window treatments, but not quite in the price range for custom made decor right now? A great tipsheet posted on the DIY Network's website makes building your own cornice board pretty easy. Don't forget to dress up your windows with shades or drapes from Gordon's when you're finished!

Professional cornice boards can really run up the price of a planned window overhaul, but you can put your money and savings towards where it counts most - insulation of your windows - and cut your costs by up to $200 per window by putting in a little elbow grease.

These tips suggest having plywood cut to size at the hardware store, using crown moulding and fabric to enhance the cornice style, and sizing the board at 1/5 the full length of the drapes.

Gordon's Window Decor can help you with complimentary fabrics for the drapes and cornice covering so stop by the Essex showroom soon!

Top Five Style Ideas for Bathroom Windows

2009-08-15T20:23:00.000-07:00

We're smitten with the slideshow of bathroom window treatment suggested at BHG.com, but we have a few suggestions of our own that didn't seem to have a spot in their roundup of ideas and slideshow.

Check out these style ideas from Better Homes and Gardens and Gordon's Window Decor:

1. Simple, Sheer Curtains

Sheer drapes can add a sense of grace and softness that are inviting to an otherwise earthy bathroom. Also consider using sheer window curtains or even sheer blinds to offset the darker tones found throughout the remainder of the area, especially in a rugged bathroom, such as one featuring many natural materials or a log cabin. Curtains offer added privacy while still allowing sunlight to brighten the room.

2. Location, location, location.

Aside from style, it's important to keep in mind where your window treatment will be, and what materials you will have to use to ward off the effects of heat and humidity. Avoid mold or mildew buildup and rusting by investing in bathroom-appropriate shades, such as the lines with rust-proof hardware that are manufactured by Gordon's Window Decor.
3. Pair Top Treatment with Shades

A simple top treatment paired with sheer roller shades can create the perfect frame to the great outdoors. Light colored shades allow for privacy, but permits light to bathe the room in sunlight. A top treatment provides the finishing touch. These dignified stripes go well with the floral pattern on the walls.

4. Natural materials for earthy atmosphere

Roller shade material comes in many options.

Manay Wheat Manay Oatmeal

Woven and wood window shades can add style and privacy to your bathroom while enhancing a sense of peace. The shades in the bathroom pictured create the perfect addition to the mosaic tub, and the colors accent one another to add to the earthy atmosphere. Woven shades in the texture thumbnails are available at Gordon's on chain-driven mechanism roller shades, or try the green line of roller shades available in eco-friendly materials. Also take a look at wood blinds to get the same earthy feel.

5. Simple = Elegant. Simple+Practical = Brilliant.
You don't need to go overboard with fabric treatments to get what you need out of your bathroom decor. The main thing to focus on, aside from privacy, of course, is insulation and lighting needs. With top-down insulated cellular shades, you can acheive stylish elegance that speaks through your decorating tastes alone, and get the light and views you love. No more than you need, and no less, either.

How to Mix Patterns (without making a mess)

2009-08-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

You've seen it done before. It's in all the magazines. But you aren't quite sure what makes you qualified to do it, right?

Mixing patterns isn't has hard as it looks, thanks to a recent story in Better Homes and Gardens. Simple tips - like stick to one color and white - make it almost criminally easy to get that high-fashion look in your very own home.

Even more hopeful? The fact that just by adding color you can make a major improvment to your visual space without spending a fortune.

Still insecure about your ability to pick the right scheme? That's what Gordon's Window Decor is for. Swing by our Essex Jct. showroom for help and ideas.

Story:
Learn How To Mix Patterns (Better Homes and Gardens)

Shared via AddThis

Thanks Governor Douglas!

2009-07-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Gordon's had a very special guest come by on Monday afternoon. Vermont governor Jim Douglas! The governor toured the factory and spoke with us about local business. Our great thanks!

Fancy Fabrics on a Budget - Top Five Ways to Economize Your Decorating

2009-07-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, it's a recession, right? Which means, among other things, it's almost nauseating to think about splurging big-time on that much-favored but higher end fabric for large scale decorating of your room.

Well, what about using the high-end fashion prints for accents? The interior design writers at About.com came up with some creative and budget-friendly solutions for how to pull out the bling in a room while still saving some cash. (Content courtesy of About.com)

Here were our favorites from their picks:

Valance or Cornice: Traditional valances use lots of gathers - and fabric. Nowadays both valances and cornices are simpler, some requiring flat panels of fabric which will generally require minimal yardage.
Drapery Border: The leading edges or center split of a pair of draperies are the vertical edges closest to the center of a window. Dress up this seam with a flat border of expensive fabric, sewn into drapery panels made of less-expensive yardage goods.
Flat Panel Cafe Curtain: Forget all the and measured pinch-pleats. Next time you need to cover the bottom half of a window for privacy or color consider designing a flat panel curtain. It's easier to sew, and won't get lost in the folds.
Pillow Front: A small accent pillow or a larger bed sham allows you to use expensive fabric on the front of the piece and something simple on the rest.
Border or Hem: A contrasting hem for a bed skirt, drapery panel, or a tablecloth, is one way to spread an expensive fabric around the room.

Marriages trending later in life: What to gift at the wedding?

2009-07-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

According to recent figures by the U.S. Census, more couples are putting off the vows than ever before, with the marrying age for women jumping from 20 in the 1960s to 25 today, and the average age for men at 27, up from 22.

As marriage age shifts, so does the ideal wedding gift, and many retailers are finding shoppers looking for ways to help newly married friends with major home investments instead of the old classics of flatware and linens.

Here are some ideas retailers have for later-in-life wedding gifts:

• Interior Design: Buy a session with an interior designer, feng shui expert or décor consultant for your relatives or loved ones to help them re-start on the right foot

• Prepay for an energy-saving home improvement, like cellular window shades, to help with money-saving long-term investments

• Purchase a gift card at a nearby hardware store or department store for couples who may be facing major fix-it jobs, or encourage engaged friends to register at stores with home improvement products.

• Collaborate with several friends to chip in and buy one major home purchase, gift card, or home improvement cash-equivalent as opposed to several small gifts.

Gordon's Window Decor will work with buyers on deals that cater to wedding gifts, and offer cost-savings for large purchases.

"We talk to many couples who are taking the next step in their relationship by shopping here - often their first investments together are in smart home purchases,” said Kelly Conklin, a sales manager.

“Helping out with those essential household needs fills a big hole in the budget for new couples,” she said.

5 Tips for Saving a Bundle on Baby's Room

2009-06-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when tummies bulge and families look towards making room for the new addition.

Decorating baby's room may be big project, but it doesn't have to be a major splurge. That can wait for college. A few smart purchases with durability will make the difference in designing with growth spurts in mind.

Here are some tips on designing for the new bundle:

1. Think continuity: Keep all the decorative accessories thematically similar - when picking out items, keep the "big picture" in your head.

Window treatments count for a large amount of space in a little room - once you have a theme, make sure the flooring, bedding and windows follow suit. Have window treatments reflect the crib set - it doesn't need to be identical fabric - professional decorators mix and match prints all the time - but keep the same style.

2. Simple life: Swags, balloon shades, layered drapes and cascades might not be the way to go and could interfere with the activity level of children. The simpler the window treatments, the more likely it can grow along with the child's room and decor.

3. Clean decor: It's important not only to stick with materials that are easy to clean and can stand many scrubbings, but it's also easy to reduce airborne allergens and harmful UV exposure with wise choices. Cellular shades are great at reducing dust and allergens, and roller shades are, too. Both are available at Gordon's Window Decor.

4. Neutral tones: Bright colors are eye catching and window coverings come in almost any color or pattern these days. But staying with neutral tones on the windows and using stronger colors on walls and bedding allows more flexibility to change in time or, in the case of first-timers, for do-overs.

5. Safety, safety: Since 1995, window covering cords have been designed with child safety in mind. Newer technology has brought cordless shades - an excellent option for homes with kids and pets.

Sale this week!

2009-06-15T07:55:00.001-07:00

Hi Blog followers -

Just wanted to update you with news of our discount this week for residential treatment customers. We're offering a free top-down bottom-up feature on all EcoSmart Shades sold now through June 19. Come on by our store in Essex, or visit gordonswd.com .

See savings this summer with EcoSmart!

How to Decorate with Accents of Color

2009-06-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

A dark economy doesn't mean we have to surround our living space with doom and gloom. In fact, recent trends show home decorating tastes are moving towards the more bright and lively these days.

A great article in quotes home design experts weighing in on what seems to be a changing face of home fashion. After decades of "brown, brown brown" they're seeing more bold and colorful paints used in interior design.

"With concerns over the gloomy economy, consumers are looking for a spark of brightness -- something that feels like fun and makes them smile," said Jaclyn C. Hirschhaut, spokeswoman for the American Home Furnishing Alliance.

At Gordon's Window Decor, we couldn't agree more. Our online shopping tools and Virtual Decorator make it easy to play with color and swap out fabric swatches with different colors for your walls, trim, and shades!

Gordon's has a limitless supply of colors for shades, and our experienced design consultants can help you with your questions or choices.

Here are some tips on how to decorate with colorful accents:

• Choose a color that's a personal favorite. You will find a spot for it somewhere because you'll love it unconditionally.

• Use a single bright or fun piece in a room with neutral colors or traditional furnishings. Color and whimsy are most effective when they are unexpected.

• Coordinate accent colors with existing colors. Add bright yellow bar stools to a pale yellow kitchen, for example. Or put a coral dresser in an aqua bedroom.

• Don't take yourself too seriously. It's your home; you should decorate in a way that pleases you.

• Don't be afraid of making mistakes. When all you're adding is a single, inexpensive accent, you can afford an oops! occasionally.

Top Five Affordable Ways to take advantage of Federal Tax Credits

2009-06-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

All the home improvement and DIY decor blogs are abuzz with folks chattering about how they want to take advantage of the federal energy efficiency tax credit. Who wouldn't?

But a common theme pervades: All those hot new eco-trends seem too expensive!

The U.S. Dept. of Energy estimates homeowners can save 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation and air-sealing to their homes.

“The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many” said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency for a recent article by RisMedia (rismedia.com).

“By tightening up their homes with added insulation...and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too,” Callahan added.

Keeping that in mind, we've compiled the Top 5 Most Affordable Energy Efficient Home Improvements Using the Federal Tax Credit:

1 -Insulate The Roof - up to 25% of heat is lost through the roof. And it doesn't have to involve hiring contractors and major expenses. Check it out - the government has tips on how to do it yourself.

2- Cover windows with Energy Smart coverings.
EcoSmartShades have been certified for the tax credits when used with the energy tracks. We custom cut them to size, and if you're looking to really save we have DIY installation instructions online. Visit our site to learn more about them or order online. Or find stores near you.

3- Replace dying appliances with EnergyStar.
Do make sure they are eligible for tax breaks. Sure, it might not be the time to splurge on just anything, but look for that logo when replacing an old battered appliance that is on its last legs. And do it by Dec. 2010!

4. Insulate Hot-Water Pipes
Wrap all hot-water supply pipes with foam rubber insulation. The dense rubber will keep water that's trapped in the pipe hotter for longer, reducing the time you have to run cold water while you wait for it to heat up. As a bonus, you'll save on fuel to heat the water.

5- Sneaky Leaks: Cover up skylights, sliding doors, and get storm doors!
Cover skylights and sliding glass doors with energy-saving window treatments, and consider adding storm doors. The energy efficiency tax credit includes purchases of storm doors meeting requirements. Skylights and sliding doors can be easily overlooked, but are just as bad culrpits as windows. EcoSmart Shades also provide custom-cut tracked shades for these uses - and as always, we offer free fabric samples.

For more on home improvements with the tax breaks visit:
Alliance to Promote Energy Efficiency
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
The Internal Revenue Service
EnergyStar Tax Credits rundown

Gordon's and the White House

2009-05-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Gordon's Window Decor is pushing to get EcoSmart shades in the Oval Office. Obama is planning on coming to Vermont soon and we're going to try to convince him to take some EcoSmart shades home with him. We think they are good enough for Obama, but are they good enough for you?

Come to our showroom in Essex, Vermont, and find out for yourself! You'll be met with an experienced, professional sales team and multiple rooms filled with the latest in window treatment technology. Stop by today!

Gordon's featured in Seven Days

2009-05-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

Gordon's Window Decor is featured in the latest issue (5/13/09) of Seven Days. Check out the article here: http://www.7dvt.com/2009pane-relievers , or read it on page 36 of the paper.

Drop by our showroom in Essex to meet the one-and-only Joan Sheeran, a 16-year Gordon's vet who can "speak energy efficiency like a scientist and 'soft goods' like a decorator," according to Seven Days' reporter Pamela Polston.

I'd also like to thank those who participated in our Webinar today; you asked great questions and Kelly and Ahana thoroughly enjoyed themselves teaching you about energy efficiency.

Webinar today

2009-05-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

There's less than an hour left until our first Webinar! You can still sign up at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/588354244

There's no reason you shouldn't tune in if you're reading this. Kelly Conklin, manager of Web sales, will be taking Gordon's place alongside Ahana Richards in today's presentation. It begins at 11:00AM, so sign up quick, and don't miss this opportunity to learn how to conserve energy in your home and save money. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Stats on Ecosmart window shades

2009-05-12T09:05:00.000-07:00

On May 11th, Gordon Clements, founder of Gordon's Window Decor, presented to about 25 members of Efficiency Vermont about the energy-saving benefits of cellular shades. Here are some noteworthy facts from the presentation:

Residential homes account for 21% of all US energy consumption (Berkeley Labs)
50% of heating & cooling energy is due to heat gain or loss through windows (Energy Star)
Energy efficient window treatments can cut this loss by as much as 50% (Hunter Douglas)

Harvard was unsure if the upgrade to insulating shades was worth it, so their Real Estate Services department did some experimenting. They found that the thermostat was set at an average of 68 degrees in units with traditional mini-blinds installed. In units with cellular shades installed, the thermostat averaged 48 degrees. The cellular shades conserved enough energy to make a 20 degree difference on the thermostat.

Register for our first ever Webinar tomorrow from 11AM-11:30AM! In a short half-hour, you'll be able to learn how to make your home more energy efficient, and at the end, you'll be able to ask Gordon questions! 10 people have signed up already, so you won't be participating alone. Sign up at:https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/588354244

Shade Your Home and Your Wallet from Wasted Energy

2009-05-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone at Gordon's would like to invite you to our first ever Webinar! It's Wednesday, May 13th, from 11:00AM-11:30AM. PR manager Ahana Richards and founder Gordon Clements will present a slideshow, featuring ways you can:

· Obtain a federal tax credit up to $1,500

· Save up to $1.80 per square foot of glass per year in heating/cooling costs

· Reduce allergens

· Increase the value of your home and business

· Receive a free no-obligation consultation from our experts

· Be entered to win a gift certificate to Gordon’s Window Décor

At the end of the presentation, Ahana and Gordon will invite you to call in, so don't be shy! Take a half hour to sit back and relax as Ahana and Gordon provide you with simple tricks and tips to improve your home's energy efficiency.

All you have to do to register is click this link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/588354244

Make sure you log back on the Internet by 11:00AM this Wednesday to view the presentation in its entirety. There will be a question-and-answer session following the presentation, so call and tell us what you thought of it and ask any questions you might have thought up while watching. Hope to see you Wednesday!

Could Spring Be Here?!

2009-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Could Spring Be Here!?!

SIGNS:
I saw a Robin, a mosquito, and a load of woodchips being delivered to my neighbor’s house all in one day- I think spring might be here! In Vermont the arrival of spring is cause for statewide celebration. People smile a little easier, laugh a little louder, and linger outside a bit later.

DILEMA:
With spring comes longer days and I sure felt that in my living room the other day. The sun was pouring through the skylights and the room was down right hot.

SOLUTION:
Everyone at Gordon’s Window Decor has always told me that my skylights were the most important windows to cover, but I guess since I don’t sit right next to it I never realized just how much impact they have. AND according to HGTV (http://www.hgtv.com/organizing/window-coverings/index.html) cellular shades are the most energy efficient window covering option! So how great is it that we make cellular skylights in our factory in Essex Junction. I can get an R- value of up to 5.8 with the skylights. That will certainly save some money on air conditioning!

SUMMARY:
I wonder just how much heat I lost over the winter considering hot air rises so all my heat must have literally been flying out of that window. I haven’t spent a summer in my house yet, so I can just imagine how hot those skylights are going to make the room in the middle of summer. I’m thrilled that I’m realizing this now so I can get EcoSmart cellular shades installed in my skylights now before the real heat hits!

Let's go green

2009-02-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

What does green actually mean?

Going green has become a common phrase in the past few years, but what does it actually mean? You could set your thermostat a bit lower in the winter to conserve energy, buy recyclable products, plant a tree, or bike to work. If those don’t appeal to you, you could start drinking water from an expensive, fashionable, aluminum canister, buy used clothes, or make your own cleaning products. There is an endless list of things you can do to become a little bit greener, but there are some methods that are more effective (and easier!) than others.

Take windows for example. Windows are the greatest source of wasted energy. Heat moves from warm to cold, so in the winter, windows let heat escape, and in the summer, windows let heat in. This means that you have to use more energy to heat or cool your home, which means you’re paying more. Window treatments are a great way to conserve energy as they can block up to 62% of the heat trying to enter and escape your home. The money you save on utility bills far outweighs the cost of the product, and you’re helping the environment by conserving fossil fuels.

There has never been a better time to invest in window treatments, either. With the economy hurting, window treatment companies are offering very competitive pricing. At Gordon’s Window Décor, everything is made right there in the store, so there are no shipping costs or middle men, which means a better price for you. All of Gordon’s products are individually signed by their creator as well, so if you’re not pleased, you know who to talk to.

Recycling, walking to work, and reusing leftover food containers can certainly make a difference in the environment, but it takes dedication. These things have to be done day after day, year after year, to make a difference. With insulating shades, all you have to do is shut them and you’re making the environment a better place, not to mention saving a bundle and increasing the value of your house for being more energy efficient.

So the next time you’re wondering how to go green, think about how much energy you could save by upgrading to insulating shades. New shades make your home look fresher, they save you money on your utility bills, and they conserve limited resources. It's a win-win situation for you... and the environment.

2009-02-11T07:25:00.001-08:00

Designer’s Blog # 1:
THE FIRST EDITION! Every week about 10 of us get together for a designer’s meeting to brainstorm. We also talk about what’s new in the window covering industry. We decided to jump on the “blog wagon” and pass on to you the ideas we have and the lessons we learn each week!

STAYING WARM AND SAVING MONEY DONNA (Professional Designer- 25+ years):
I got a call from one of my clients yesterday. We installed EcoSmart Insulating cell shades throughout her home. The very first night after the install the temperature dropped below zero. She couldn’t believe how much of a difference the shades made. She couldn’t thank me enough for simply allowing her to read a book in her living room without shivering and without thinking about her heating bill every time she heard the furnace kick on. Her shades kept her house warm while saving her money on heating bills. Those kinds of calls make this job so gratifying.

AHANA (Marketing- 7+ years):
The call from Donna’s customer seemed like great marketing material, but being new to this industry I didn’t really understand exactly how the shades make a home warmer. Turns out the concept is pretty simple! Here’s how:

HOW THE SHADES WORK: The shades are made in a honeycomb pattern with two sets of cells that create an insulating layer of dead air between the window and the shade – much like insulation works in your walls. When the shade is down it traps the cold coming through the window between the shade and the glass (conductive heat loss). Also, when the shade is down it stops the warm air already in the room from hitting the cold glass, getting cold, then dropping down the glass and back into the room creating a cold draft (convection current). Cool stuff, eh?

WHAT ABOUT CONDENSATION: Mary Ann (Professional Designer- 21+ years)
One of my clients is concerned that her shades are creating condensation on the glass. I explained that if the shades work that well there would probably be some condensation because of the difference in temperature in front of the shade and behind the shade but she wondered if there is a solution for condensation.

GORDON (President- 23 years, Lifelong Engineer)
It is true, on really really cold days the window glass can get so cold behind our shades that it chills the air to the dew point where moisture in the air condenses out in visible moisture or even ice. When I see that in the morning I say YES! I am so glad I have these shades because otherwise all that cold would have been transferred through the house. Now at least it is trapped behind the shade and about 15 minutes after raising the shade the condensation evaporates so no harm done.

Now, Mary Ann’s customer is uncomfortable with the condensation and wants to reduce it, and she can quite easily. She just needs to raise the shade enough so it does not get quite so cold to reach the dew point. Her shades will be less efficient but we will have dealt with her priority – the condensation. And she will still have all that insulating power when she wants it i.e. when the humidity in her home drops and/or in the summer.

However, being an engineer I thought I had another idea on how to retain the shades full insulating power and deal with the condensation. So, I did an experiment at my home.

THE CONDENSATION SOLUTION HYPOTHESIS: We have an option for our EcoSmart shades called “Top Down - Bottom Up” which allows you to operate the shade normally, or lower the shade from the top. This is typically used to give you more privacy, while maintaining a full open view with lots of light from the top part.

However, I thought I had another use for this feature - if I lowered my shades from the top, keeping the bottom rail on the sill, I would trap the cold air in between the window and the shade. The warm moist air would rise and escape from the top while the drier, colder air would sink and be prevented from entering the home. This reduces condensation without diminishing the insulating power of the shade.

THE CONDENSATION SOLUTION EXPERIMENT:
I put two thermometers in front of two top down/bottom up shades overnight. One shade was closed all the way and the other had the top rail lowered about 4”. The next morning the temperatures in front of the shades were virtually identical and there was no condensation on the sill of the shade that had the top lowered! Problem solved! I still stopped the convection current and also lowered the dew point behind the shade. And would you believe the temperature difference – it was 6 degrees F outside, 69 inside the room with 32% humidity, and it was 40 at the sill between the shade and the glass and 62 on the immediate other side of the shade on the sill. This is a 22 degrees difference in 2 inches – all achieved by the shade. It was trapping an amazing amount of cold.

THE CONDENSATION SUMMARY
These days money is tight. For us there is almost no better feeling than knowing that we are manufacturing a product that helps our customers save money and at the same time helping the environment by using less energy to keep our homes comfortable. They say one of our average size shades will save about 2 full barrels of oil over 10 years! If you have any comments or questions about your window covering problems, let us know- our passion is helping customers solve problems so definitely bring it on! Until next week…