How Do Cellular Shades Save Energy?
Cellular shades are constructed with small, insulating air pockets or “cells” that act as a thermal barrier. The cells trap air to slow the transfer of heat or cold through the window. This helps regulate indoor temperatures more effectively, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, high-quality cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 10-25%. During summer, cellular shades can lower heat gain from sunlight by up to 77%. This results in noticeably lower heating and cooling bills, providing year-round savings.
Cellular shades’ capabilities to save energy make them a smart investment for any room with significant temperature fluctuations. Rooms on the south and west sides of a home tend to overheat from intense sunlight. Cellular shades minimize solar heat gain and glare in these rooms. For north-facing rooms prone to chilly drafts, cellular shades add a layer of insulation to retain heat.
Other Benefits of Cellular Shades:
Cellular shades offer more than just being energy efficient – other valuable benefits that elevate comfort, convenience, and aesthetics are in play. Here are some of the top advantages that cellular shades offer beyond energy savings:
Noise Reduction
The honeycomb structure of cellular shades muffles and absorbs sound waves, reducing outside noise by up to 50%. This can transform your space into a space perfect for relaxation or work by improving its quietness.
UV Protection
Special tightly woven or laminated fabrics in cellular shades can block 95-99% of harmful ultraviolet rays from entering through windows. This prevents fading and deterioration of furnishings caused by sun damage over time.
Increased Privacy
The layered, cellular structure of the shades obscures views and outlines while still allowing soft, filtered light to come through. Cellular shades give privacy without compromising light coming from the sunlight outdoors.
Style Options
Cellular shades come in a wide array of colors, prints, textures, and materials like faux wood and natural woven fabrics to match any decor. Find shades to coordinate with your existing design aesthetic and style.
Easy Maintenance
Cellular shades just need the occasional vacuuming and gentle wiping with a damp cloth to keep them looking fresh and new for years. They are an easy, low-maintenance window covering.
Long-Lasting Durability
Made from quality, resilient materials, cellular shades can maintain their integrity and function for 15-20 years or more with proper installation and care.
Environmentally Friendly
Cellular shades contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are often constructed from sustainable, recycled textiles or plastic materials. They are an eco-conscious window covering choice.
Affordability
As an energy-efficient and attractive window solution, cellular shades provide homeowners with great value and insulation at a budget-friendly price point.
How to Maximize the Energy Efficiency of Cellular Shades:
To get the most out of your cellular shades, follow these tips:
- Install cellular shades on windows that receive direct sunlight during the day. This maximizes protection from solar heat gain.
- Use tighter woven fabrics that have insulating cells on both sides of the shade. This provides better thermal performance.
- Lower cellular shades completely at night and raise them up during the day for optimal insulation.
- Make sure the shades fit the window tightly, so there are no gaps for air leakage. Use side channels or spline seals if needed.
- Close drapes or insulated side panels over the shades at night for added insulation.
- Choose room-darkening cellular blackout shades for bedrooms to block light and retain heat in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cellular Shades
Which rooms should get cellular shades for maximum energy savings?
Prioritize cellular shades on south- and west-facing rooms, as they get the most direct sun. East-facing rooms also see the morning sun, so they benefit from cellular shades too. North-facing rooms benefit from added insulation against drafts.
Do cellular shades come in blackout options?
Make sure cellular shades fit tightly in the window frame all around. Look for any gaps where air could leak through. Use splines, channels, or sealants to ensure a tight seal and prevent heat loss/gain around the edges.
How do I know if my cellular shades are properly sealed for maximum efficiency?
Yes, cellular blackout shades feature thicker, light-blocking fabrics. These help insulate, reduce noise, and darken rooms for sleeping. Light-filtering cellular shades offer some privacy and glare reduction while still allowing in natural light and providing ample insulation – providing ambient light and a comfortable temperature.
Optimize Energy Consumption with Cellular Shades
With energy prices continually rising, cellular shades offer a simple and affordable way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Their stylish appearance also enhances your windows while providing insulation, UV protection, noise reduction, and other benefits.
The Blind Guy can help you select the perfect cellular shades to reduce your energy costs while elevating your home’s overall ambiance. Contact us now and invest in an eco-friendly path to utility savings and a more comfortable, sustainable home.
