Selecting the Right Energy Efficient Window Treatments
12/01/10 02:13 PM
Every home needs window treatments,
so why not get the most out of them by getting ones
that also provide insulation or improve your
home’s energy efficiency?
Every
home needs window treatments, so why not get the most
out of them by getting ones that also provide
insulation or improve your home’s energy
efficiency? There are quite a few choices,
let’s explore a few which might be for your
needs.
First a little background information to avoid any confusion. “Window treatments” and “window coverings” are catch-all terms that could include: window blinds, shades, shutters or even curtains. There are differences between a window blind and a window shade. Blinds have slats or vanes; think mini blinds or vertical blinds. Window shades roll up or fold up; think roller shades, cellular shades or roman shades. Shutters are almost their own category but function like a blind. Curtains are curtains and everyone knows what a curtain is though, they do go by many, many names.
There are two main groups of energy efficient window coverings: thermal window coverings that provide direct insulation and energy efficient window treatments that that don’t so much provide insulation but help limit solar heat gain.
Not all energy efficient window coverings are equal. Some are better than others so, I will start by listing the best and work downward.
Superior insulation: Cellular shades – The champions of insulation are cellular shades. Hands down. They were designed to provide insulation. Cellular shades feature a unique honeycomb-shaped (hence the name) design that traps air, creating an insulating layer for your windows. You can choose double cell or single cell or the highest rated “cell within a cell” Duette Architella from Hunter Douglas. Double cell cellular shades provide maximum insulation and are a good choice for particularly cold or hot environments. Cellular shades are versatile and attractive, offering numerous opacities (how much light can pass through the fabric), and colors. You can even buy cellular shades for your patio doors (vertical cellular shades).
Insulated roman shades – the best and most efficient type of insulated roman shades actually have a cellular liner built right in. They are about equal to single cell cellular shades in terms of insulation. Insulated, or thermal roman shades are a good alternative if you don’t like the styling of cellular shades.
Good insulation:Plantation shutters – shutters, by their design and close proximity to the window provide good insulation. Shutters offer a uniquely elegant style and are one of the only window treatments that will be appraised to increase the value of your home.
Energy efficient:Solar shades, also called solar screens, allow the user to keep the view as well as energy efficient values. Solar shades are made from a mesh material that very effectively reduces the absorption of heat through the window. A solar screen material will absorb and reflect solar heat before it actually enters the window. By limiting solar heat gain, indoor solar shades are very energy efficient and will help to lower your utility bills. Solar shades work in both the summer and winter. In the summer, they limit solar heat gain and in the winter, they help prevent radiant heat from escaping to the outside.
First a little background information to avoid any confusion. “Window treatments” and “window coverings” are catch-all terms that could include: window blinds, shades, shutters or even curtains. There are differences between a window blind and a window shade. Blinds have slats or vanes; think mini blinds or vertical blinds. Window shades roll up or fold up; think roller shades, cellular shades or roman shades. Shutters are almost their own category but function like a blind. Curtains are curtains and everyone knows what a curtain is though, they do go by many, many names.
There are two main groups of energy efficient window coverings: thermal window coverings that provide direct insulation and energy efficient window treatments that that don’t so much provide insulation but help limit solar heat gain.
Not all energy efficient window coverings are equal. Some are better than others so, I will start by listing the best and work downward.
Superior insulation: Cellular shades – The champions of insulation are cellular shades. Hands down. They were designed to provide insulation. Cellular shades feature a unique honeycomb-shaped (hence the name) design that traps air, creating an insulating layer for your windows. You can choose double cell or single cell or the highest rated “cell within a cell” Duette Architella from Hunter Douglas. Double cell cellular shades provide maximum insulation and are a good choice for particularly cold or hot environments. Cellular shades are versatile and attractive, offering numerous opacities (how much light can pass through the fabric), and colors. You can even buy cellular shades for your patio doors (vertical cellular shades).
Insulated roman shades – the best and most efficient type of insulated roman shades actually have a cellular liner built right in. They are about equal to single cell cellular shades in terms of insulation. Insulated, or thermal roman shades are a good alternative if you don’t like the styling of cellular shades.
Good insulation:Plantation shutters – shutters, by their design and close proximity to the window provide good insulation. Shutters offer a uniquely elegant style and are one of the only window treatments that will be appraised to increase the value of your home.
Energy efficient:Solar shades, also called solar screens, allow the user to keep the view as well as energy efficient values. Solar shades are made from a mesh material that very effectively reduces the absorption of heat through the window. A solar screen material will absorb and reflect solar heat before it actually enters the window. By limiting solar heat gain, indoor solar shades are very energy efficient and will help to lower your utility bills. Solar shades work in both the summer and winter. In the summer, they limit solar heat gain and in the winter, they help prevent radiant heat from escaping to the outside.