When your energy costs seem to be escalating during summer or winter, you could be blaming your windows. Even double pane windows let conditioned air escape from the home, and this causes your HVAC unit to continually operate for more than it should. The good news? The easiest and cheapest change you can make right now is to replace any old shades or curtain with cellular shades.
We’ll begin by explaining just how cellular shades work and why they provide superior insulation over other window coverings and then, we’ll talk about how much you can expect to save on heating and cooling costs.
What Are Cellular Shades? (And Why the ‘Honeycomb’ Shape Matters)
Cellular shades – sometimes referred to as honeycomb shades – are window coverings constructed of a pleated fabric that creates pockets of air as it is raised. The secret of their insulating power is these air pockets.
The unique honeycomb design helps to insulate your home from the cold glass of your window to the warm air inside, unlike flat roller blinds or simple fabric curtains. Trapped air in each cell insulates the house and slows the transfer of heat both ways – keeping the heat inside in winter and out in summer.
They come in three main configurations:
- Single-cell shades – One layer of air pockets. Lightweight, inexpensive, suitable for moderate climates.
- Double-cell shades – Two layers of air pockets. Super insulation, perfect for most homes.
- Triple-cell shades – Three layers of air pockets. For very cold and windy old houses, maximum insulation.
The higher the number of cells, the better the insulation – and the bigger your potential energy savings.
How Do Cellular Shades Reduce Heating & Cooling Bills?
1. They Slow Down Heat Transfer at the Window
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25-30% of the energy used in home heating and cooling is lost through windows. Even the most energy efficient windows are not 100% conductive heat loss resistant. An added benefit of cellular shades is their extra layer of insulation right at the glass, which is where the heat transfer activity is the greatest.
During the winter, they keep the heat that your furnace puts out from escaping through the cold glass. In the Summer, they stop the sun’s heat from penetrating your home at all.
2. They Seal the “Cold Air Draft Zone”
One of the lesser-known window problems is the convective loop: cooler air will sink off the window, cool the floor and lower walls, which then draw warm air back down. This increases the length of time that your heating system needs to run to keep your room at a comfortable temperature.
By blocking this convective loop, cellular shades, particularly those fitted with top down/bottom up capabilities or installed just a little bit snug against the window frame, greatly diminish the chance of drafts.
3. They Work Year-Round, Not Just in Winter
Cellular shades serve as a cold-weather solution, unlike heavy thermal curtains which are mainly a cold-weather solution. The same air pockets that keep the building warm during the cold winter months also provide insulation and block solar radiant heat during the summer months. Combining light filtering or solar shade cellular with some opening and closing practice can make a significant difference in lowering your AC load during the hottest parts of the day.
4. They Improve Your Home’s Overall R-Value
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance, the higher the number, the more thermal resistance the insulation has. The R-value for a standard single pane window is about R-1. Good double pane windows only reach R-3, R-4. Cellular shades can significantly improve the R-value of a window to R-3 to R-8+ depending on the number of cells and the fit of the shade to the frame.
Single-Cell vs. Double-Cell vs. Triple-Cell: Which Saves More Energy?
| Shade Type | Air Layers | Approximate R-Value Added | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Cell | 1 | R-2 to R-3 | Mild climates, interior rooms |
| Double-Cell | 2 | R-3 to R-5 | Most homes, moderate climates |
| Triple-Cell | 3 | R-5 to R-8+ | Extreme cold/heat, older homes |
Double cell cellular shades are a great option for any homeowner who wants the most value for their energy efficient blinds. The upgrade to triple-cell is justified if you are in an area where winters are severe or summers are extremely hot.
Light Filtering vs. Blackout Cellular Shades: Which Is Better for Energy Savings?
Both are effective for insulating – the difference is the amount of light and solar heat that they block.
Light filtering cellular shades let in diffused natural light while offering good insulation. Ideal for living rooms and kitchens where you don’t want to have direct sunlight.
Blackout cellular shades provide an extra layer of blackout. They can achieve the best energy savings in very sunny rooms, such as west or south-facing windows, and work best in bedrooms where maintaining a temperature and/or comfort is a priority.
When it comes to saving the most on your cooling bills, black out cellular shades for south and west facing windows make one of the best investments you can make.
Tips to Maximize Energy Savings with Cellular Shades
Installing and using your shades is as important as purchasing them properly, and that’s where you need to get the best out of your honeycomb shades.
Fit them within the window frame for a tight seal and to prevent air from seeping around the perimeter of the frame. The more tightly sealed, the more effective the thermal properties.
Employ the top down/bottom up function judiciously. Reduce the upper part to let in natural light, but leave the lower part closed to prevent cold drafts from the street or direct sunlight.
Keep blinds closed during the hottest times of summer. Most solar heat gain is through south and west-facing windows from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Shades closed during this time will keep indoor temperatures a few degrees cooler without any harder running of the AC.
Open blinds on sunny winter days. Use solar energy to heat your rooms in the daytime and close shades at dusk to keep the warmth inside overnight.
Add curtains to extreme weather. To achieve maximum insulation in very cold climates, stack triple-cell shades with thermal curtains over them for an R-value equivalent to wall insulation.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Actual savings will depend on window size, shade frequency, and climate, but they are great. When used correctly, DOE estimates, energy efficient window coverings can reduce the annual cooling loads by up to 33% and energy losses by up to 40%.
For the most frequent scenario, a home that has about 15-20 windows and an annual heating and air conditioning bill of $2,000 would save anywhere from $300 to $700 annually by using quality cellular shades; these will pay for themselves within 2-3 years
Final Thoughts: The Smartest Energy Upgrade You’re Probably Ignoring
Many homeowners consider replacing HVAC systems, installing solar panels or even replacing windows as options to reduce their energy bills, but these are all costly options. However, one of the best energy efficiency returns on investment options is a cellular shade, which provides significant and measurable savings and at a relatively small cost.
From furnishing a new home to replacing old worn window shades, or choosing a specific window shade made with energy-saving features that really matter, it should be on your list.
Looking to begin saving? Single-cell, double-cell and triple-cell cellular shades are available at BuyHomeBlinds.com and can be custom sized, custom colored and can control the amount of light in any room to fit any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cellular Shades & Energy Savings
Q: Are cellular shades worth the extra cost compared to regular blinds?
Yes, particularly in the event that saving power is a concern. Window shades (cellular) add between R-3 and R-8 insulation where horizontal shades add little or no insulation. Typically the initial investment is recovered within 2-3 years of installation, thanks to reduced energy bills.
Q: Do cellular shades work on all window types?
Cellular shades come with very high versatility and can be tailored to accommodate standard rectangular windows, skylights, arched windows and sliding glass doors. Shapes not standard in size may be custom sized for a proper seal.
Q: What color cellular shades are best for energy efficiency?
When facing away from the building, darker or opaque shades will block less solar heat. Color is not as important as cell count or fit when using material for winter insulation. White or light-colored are more popular, as they’ll reflect some of the summer heat and help to lighten rooms.
Q: Can I install cellular shades myself?
Absolutely. Most of the inside-mount shades that are available will include all the mounting hardware and will only take 15-30 minutes per window. The most important part is the measurement – measure twice before ordering.
Q: How do I clean cellular shades without damaging them?
Use a hair dryer (cool hair dryer) or compressed air can to remove dust from the cells. Quickly blot and wipe up stains with a damp cloth and mild soap. No soaking or addition of water must be added, since this will damage the cell structure.
Q: Do cellular shades work in humid environments like bathrooms?
Check for moisture-resistant cellular shades that are used for bathrooms and kitchens. The type of fabric can affect the durability of a garment when it’s exposed to high humidity.
Q: What's the difference between cellular shades and pleated shades?
Pleated shades are similar, but lack the closed air pockets that cell shades have and are insulation. To conserve energy, only use cellular (honeycomb) designs.