Which Type Of Blinds Are The Most Energy-Efficient?

One of the most cost-effective ways to improve home energy efficiency is to upgrade your window treatments.

So Which type of blinds are the most energy-efficient? Let’s start with some additional information. Windows are one of the main culprits of heat and air conditioning loss in a home. Approximately 30% of a home’s heating energy escapes through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of the sunlight that strikes standard double-pane windows enters to become heat, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Adding window coverings, such as blinds, shades, or shutters, can reduce the loss of heat and air conditioning from your home by up to 64%. Window coverings help conserve energy year-round by trapping in heat during the winter and blocking the heat in the summer.

Shades Reduce Energy Costs

Window shades are one of the simplest, yet effective, window treatments to reduce energy costs in one’s home. Automated controls raise and lower shades at the optimum time of day to maximize energy savings. Further, they provide a measure of security, even while you are away. Another advantage of window shades is privacy for those inside the home. Window shades are available in many different fabric options and styles. Therefore, aside from the energy efficiency benefits, they also add style and privacy to your indoor spaces.

Energy Efficient Window Treatments and Proper Fit

In heating seasons, tightly installed cellular shades reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to 20% heating energy savings. During cooling seasons, cellular shades reduce unwanted solar heat entering through windows by up to 80%, reducing the total solar gain to 15% or less when installed with a tight fit. These figures are again from the U.S. Department of Energy. These statistics substantiate why a well-fitting window treatment is so necessary. Eastern Interiors measures and custom fits every window treatment. Active a high quality finished look and energy efficiency from the exacting fit that an Eastern Interiors installation delivers. Further, this custom-fit is the key to achieving maximum energy efficiency.

Definitions of Different Types of Shades

Honeycomb Cellular Shades are a window covering of multi-layer material. Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades because they have honeycomb-shaped insulating cells that trap between the cells. When configured on sidetracks they are most effective at increasing the R-value of windows as a result of the precise fit. Cellular shades that open from both the top and bottom allow users to effectively control the amount of daylight entering the home.

Pleated Shades are made from pleated fabric therefore, they add texture to a room. They pull up to sit flat at the top of a window to hide from sight when open. When extended the pleats add additional surface area blocking most of the UV light from entering through the window.

Roller Shades are single panel shades that offer a clean-cut and compact look, they can be fabricated from a variety of materials offering great looks to any room.

Solar Screen Shades are fabricated from a woven, screen-like material. The loose woven material makes the shade somewhat transparent. Therefore, a solar screen block much of the damaging UV light while at the same time they let in natural light and allow a view of the outside.

And The Answer is…

Hence, the literal answer to the original question, Which Type Of Blinds Are The Most Energy-Efficient? is, Cellular shades as they trap air between the honeycomb layers and that trapped air acts as an insulator. In visualizing a cellular shade you can see once again how a precise fit maximizes the energy efficiency benefit of cellular shades. That said, however, any of the shade types mentioned add energy efficiency benefits and will give a new appeal to any room in the house.

The statistical data referenced in this article comes from the U.S. Department of Energy. https://energy.gov

We trust that you’ve found this article useful. Should you have any questions we are happy to answer them. Foremost, if you like the idea of adding a clean new look to your room and saving money year-round, certainly contact us. https://easterninteriors.com/#contact As always, Eastern Interiors offers free measurements and consultation pre-purchase and free installation with your purchase!