Energy Saving Window Coverings

Window shades and window blinds can have the added benefit of saving on your energy bills by adding an insulating layer when covering your windows. Some houses have entire walls made up of windows, and even though the windows might be double paned, they do not provide the same standard of insulation as your walls. The following window shade products can make a difference:

• Cellular shades are actually constructed of honeycomb shaped cells. SelectBlinds offers cell shades in 3/8”, ½”, 5/8” and ¾” sizes. Each of these cell shades, regardless of honeycomb size, will provide a certain amount of insulation. Double cell light filtering cell shades, or double cell room darkening cell shades are going to provide the maximum energy savings, as these cell shades provide the most density in material.

• Sheer shades are also an energy saving solution for your window covering needs. These window shades are actually a double fabric shade, with a horizontal fabric blind in the middle of the 2 sheer shades. Don’t let me confuse you. This is really just one window shade. But the double layer of shade material, with the internal horizontal blind in the middle, provides an excellent way to insulate your windows, whether from the heat in the summer, or the cold in the winter. And unlike the cellular shades, the horizontal slats can be tilted open or closed to allow light in, without having to raise the entire window shade.

• Roman shades are also a fabric window shade, and will provide a certain measure of energy savings, although the material is not as dense as cell shades or sheer shades.

Any window shade or window blind will provide some insulation, so if energy saving is your main concern, shop the cell shade and sheer shade sections. Otherwise, shop for the window shade or window blind that best fits your decorating scheme.