Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient With High-Performance Window Shades
In the past, your window treatment choices were essentially window blinds or draperies. But today the variety of styles, models, and options in window shades and blinds is vast and varied. In fact, you can even increase your home’s energy efficiency with attractive, practical window treatments! Ranging from insulated Roman shades to unique cellular window blinds, your options in energy-efficient window treatments are practically limitless. Profiled below are tow of the most popular options, cellular shades and plantation shutters, but there are dozens of other options. Visit your local window treatment store to learn more!
Cellular Shades
Also known as honeycomb shades, cellular shades provide luxurious appearance and fantastic energy-efficient performance. Cellular window shades are constructed from two sheets of fabric that are pleated together to for air pockets (the “cells”). When your shades are down, these air pockets form a layer of insulation between your home and windows. Helping keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer, cellular shades help decrease energy costs while still keeping your home comfortable. Cellular window shades come in two styles, single or double honeycomb. Double honeycomb shades provide up to 60% more insulation than single honeycomb versions, but they do tend to be more expensive. Available in a rainbow of colors and models cellular window shades are a great solution for stylish window décor and energy-efficient performance.
Plantation Shutters
An elegant alternative traditional horizontal blinds, plantation shutters are a great solution for gorgeous window treatments and improved energy efficiency. Installed snugly in your window frames, plantation shutters both help eliminate drafts and provide insulation against the outside temperature. Their unique construction and thermal properties help decrease heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, offering improved energy efficiency year-round. Durable, low-maintenance, and attractive, interior window shutters are also a great investment in your home. Highly-valued by home owners and home buyers alike, plantation shutters add more value to your house than any other window treatment. With interior shutters, you can enjoy superior energy-efficient performance now and earn great return on investment when you go to sell!
Remember, heat gain and loss through your windows can account for between 10% and 25% of your heating and cooling bills. Cellular shades and plantation shutters are the most popular, but with all of today’s options in aesthetically appealing, energy-efficient window shades and blinds, it simply makes sense to choose window treatments that can reduce your home’s energy costs. Contact your local window treatment specialist today to learn more about energy-efficient window shades for your home or office!