What Are the Most Energy-Efficient Blinds?

Windows are a significant source of energy loss in a home. According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through the windows. And in the summer, about 76% of the sunlight that hits a double-pane window infiltrates the glass to become indoor heat.

With all this in mind, you may want to upgrade your window coverings as an affordable way to boost your home’s energy efficiency. As a bonus, you’ll improve the appearance of your home inside and out with new shutters, blinds, or shades. Here’s a look at the most energy-efficient window coverings designed to lower your energy bills.

• Cellular shades ;have honeycomb-shaped insulating cells that trap air before it passes through the glass. This reduces heat loss by 40% or more in the winter, which equates to about 10% heating energy savings. Then in the summer, cellular shades reduce unwanted solar heat gain by up to 60% when installed with a tight fit.
• Roman shades ;are made of pleated fabric, adding texture and visual interest to the room. Because they block the sun, they can reduce solar heat gain in the summer. Then, heavier fabrics offer slightly better thermal performance in the winter.
• Solar shades ;raise and lower from a roller bar installed at the top of the window. The woven, screen-like material filters out direct sunlight to reduce solar heat gain. Motorized versions can save even more by allowing you to control the shades with the push of a button. This also makes it possible to automate your window coverings.
• Louvered blinds ;effectively reduce summer heat gain and glare while still allowing diffused light to enter. Because of the many openings between slats, it’s difficult to control heat loss through louvered blinds unless you close them all the way.
• Plantation shutters ;offer similar efficiency benefits as blinds, allowing you to control incoming light and close the shutters completely to minimize heat loss.
• Curtains and drapes hang from a curtain rod mounted above the window. They are often paired with blinds to provide more lighting and privacy options. Curtains with white, reflective backings reduce heat gain in the summer by up to 33%. Meanwhile, thick, heavy, floor-length drapes reduce heat loss in the winter by up to 10%.
• Window films are applied directly to the glass to help block solar heat gain and protect against glare. These are most effective in hot climates with long cooling seasons because they also reducec heat gain in the winter.

If you’re ready to enhance the energy efficiency of your Denver-area home, check out the selection of shutters, blinds, and shades available from Value Blinds & Shutters. We supply and install high-quality products from Hunter Douglas and other brands, with hundreds of customizable colors, patterns, and varieties to choose from. For your free in-home consultation, please call 303-663-8120 or contact us online. You can also visit our showroom in Castle Rock on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm.