Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of
honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They’re one of the best window coverings to keep heat out and to keep cold out.

Cellular shades come in a wide range of colors. Modern shades are manufactured to be cordless, since cords can be a safety hazard to kids and pets.
However, custom-ordered shades can be made with retractable or continuous-loop cord systems for clients with physical challenges that require modifications to accommodate.

These shades can be inside mount or outside mount. An inside mount shade is installed within the window frame, creating a clean, custom look. An outside mount shade is installed outside of or onto the window trim, covering the entire window frame. Inside mount is the most popular option for
cellular
shades, but outside mount cellular shades are more energy efficient because they block more heat and light.
The best window coverings to keep heat out are typically outside mount coverings.

There are different types of cellular shades with varying levels of insulating capabilities. How much insulation you get depends on two things: pleat sizes and the number of cell layers.

Pleat Sizes:

• The size of each honeycomb cell helps contribute to the amount of energy your window coverings save you. Larger pleat sizes tend to trap more air and thus, are more energy efficient for your home.
• Cellular shades are offered in 3/8-, 9/16-, 1/2- and 3/4-inch sizes.
• Pleat sizes also make a difference in design style. Small pleats look better in smaller windows, while the larger pleats best suit wider windows.

Single Cell Shades:

• Shades with just one layer of honeycomb material are generally a more affordable choice over the multilayer options. These work best in moderate climates where energy efficiency is less of a concern.
• When choosing single vs. double cell shades, consider if you are looking to add other upgrades like top-down/bottom-up
  lifts, room darkening liners or motorized controls. Not only can room darkening liners or blackout options help compensate for energy efficiency, but also
  choosing the more affordable single cell shades can allow you more upgrade options, depending on your budget.

Double Cell Shades:

• The mid-range option is the double cell shade. With an additional layer of honeycomb fabric, they are extra efficient at trapping and keeping air insulated in your home. They are also available in many colors, fabric styles and with
  extra upgrades.

Triple Cell Shades:

• If you live in a climate with more extreme insulating needs, consider triple cell shades. Adding these to your home can significantly reduce your utility bill and make your home more comfortable.

When you want energy efficient
window treatments with an elegant design style, try window drapes or curtains. Drapes are a classic window feature available in thousands of colors, patterns and fabrics. Because drapes are outside mounted, they provide more complete window coverage, increasing efficiency.

For extra energy savings, add a thermal lining to the back of your drapes. Linings are generally white on the backside, which gives your home a clean and smooth exterior curb appeal.

Shutters are a solid window covering
made from real wood, vinyl or wood composite materials. The thick materials trap unwanted air between the glass and the covering, which helps insulate the room inside and reduce energy costs.

You can choose between exterior or interior shutters. Many styles of exterior shutters are decorative and non-functional, but not all. Functional exterior shutters can be helpful for
protecting your home from extreme temperatures and weather conditions such as hurricanes, blizzards and storms. Pair exterior shutters with another type of interior window treatment for the best light protection and energy efficiency.

Interior shutters fit snugly to your windows and have slats called louvers. Depending on the type of interior shutter, the louvers can be adjusted so they are either
open or closed completely or slanted to let in filtered light.

Plantation shutters are a popular type of interior or exterior
shutter that have slanted louvers and are fitted to the window frame. They can be opened like doors to
let in more light as desired. These shutters get their name because they’re popular in the American south, where many choose shutters as
energy efficient window treatments
to keep their homes cool in the summer.

If unwanted heat is an issue for your home, consider adding exterior shades
to your porches. Outdoor shades help cut down your air conditioning bills by preventing harsh sunlight from entering your home. They also
filter out harmful UV rays and cut down on solar gain, dramatically reducing your home’s interior temperature.

To maximize your energy efficiency, one window treatment may not be enough. If that is the case, you can layer window treatments on top of each other to increase insulation even more. The most popular way of doing this is adding drapes to inside mounted cellular shades or shutters. This tactic dramatically reduces the energy lost through your windows and looks great in your home.