According to the U.S. Department of Energy, roughly 30% of a home's energy escapes through its windows. This statistic holds immense significance for homeowners when they're deciding on the right window coverings. It's common knowledge that window treatments play a pivotal role in insulating homes, keeping cold air at bay in the winter, and blocking out excessive heat during the scorching summer months. The question we frequently encounter is: "Which window coverings are the most effective at retaining heat during the winter?"
The short and straightforward answer: cellular shades.
In this article, we'll delve into why cellular shades, often referred to as honeycomb shades, reign supreme as the ultimate insulating window coverings. We'll also explore other options for insulating window treatments and touch on how automated window coverings can further enhance your home's energy efficiency.
So what are cellular shades and how do they insulate better than any other window treatments?
Understanding Cellular Shades and Their Insulation Power
Cellular or honeycomb shades burst onto the scene in 1985 when Hunter Douglas introduced them, quickly gaining popularity for their soft, appealing aesthetics and unparalleled insulating properties. The secret behind their insulation lies in the cells, which harbor air pockets, creating an additional barrier that insulates between the window's surface and your home's interior. Most cellular shades are crafted from materials like polyester and spun lace, but they come in various beautiful materials to complement a wide spectrum of interior design styles.
Additionally, cellular shades can be equipped with side and bottom channels, further bolstering their temperature control capabilities while eliminating bothersome light gaps, especially with room-darkening shades.
Cellular/Honeycomb shades are the only window covering that you can get up to a $1200 tax credit from purchasing. Contact us for details.
However, recognizing that cellular shades may not align with everyone's design preferences, we've also included runner-up window treatments that offer significant insulation:
1. Rolling Cellular and Roman Shades: These fabric window treatments feature cells or air pockets between the liner and the face fabric, providing commendable insulation.
2. Curtains and Drapes: Depending on the chosen fabric, curtains and drapes can help regulate interior temperatures. Heavier fabrics with tighter weaves, especially when incorporating flannel interliners, offer substantial insulation. For the ultimate energy-saving combination, consider pairing drapery panels with cellular shades.
How can automation increase an insulating window covering's energy efficiency?
According to estimates from the Department of Energy, approximately 75% of operable household shades remain in the same position day in and day out.
This is where window treatment automation steps in, allowing you to schedule your shades to open or close throughout the day or night, maximizing their effectiveness in optimizing your home's energy usage. Automation not only adds convenience to operating your window treatments but also streamlines your home living for enhanced energy efficiency.
Window Treatment Automation allows you to schedule your shades to open or close throughout the day or night and maximize the use of your shades. Automation makes it more convenient to operate window treatments and streamlines your home living to be more energy efficient.
"Window coverings can help with this loss of energy by providing comfort, regulating temperatures, and lowering energy bills." -US Dept. of Energy
How Can We Help?
If lowering your energy bill and reducing cold drafts in your home is important to you then consider purchasing any of the three window treatment options above. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or to schedule a complimentary consultation and quote.