Tips for a Cooler Home: Insulated Window Shades | THE BLINDS SPOT

Summer Tips for a Cooler Home: Use Insulated Shades for Your Windows

During the heat of summer, that A/C feels heavenly, doesn’t it? But those summertime electric bills! Hoo boy!

How about some energy efficiency? Sure, you can turn on the fans, use a dehumidifier, hang out in the basement more frequently, and even “dress down” a bit for the weather, but did you ever think about the heat coming in from your windows?

Consider those lovely sunny rays shining into your room. According to the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat.” Less incoming light = less heat from your windows.

So how DO you keep your house cool in the summertime?

Cellular shades keep rooms cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter.
Cellular shades keep rooms cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter.

How Do Cellular Shades Work?

Welcome to the world of cellular (“honeycomb”) shades. Cellular shades (often known as “cellulars,” for short) can block up to 99% of incoming light. Remember, less incoming light means less incoming heat through your windows.

The unique honeycomb design of these stylish window treatments also offers effective insulation against the incoming heat by trapping hot air in the pockets within the shade’s pleats, providing a layer (or two layers with the double-cell construction option) of protection between heat outdoors and your interior. This can significantly keep your rooms cooler and reduce your energy bills.

Guess what else cellular window treatments insulate against? Outdoor noise. Think of quieter rooms, insulated from the outdoor heat throughout your house, while relying less upon you’re A/C unit.

Cellular shades trap heat in their interior pockets for excellent insulation capabilities.
Cellular shades trap heat in their interior pockets for excellent insulation capabilities.

Should You Go with Single- or Double-cell Construction?

You’ll find that cellulars are available in single- and double-cell construction. Which is better?

Double-cell cellular do at least double up on the insulating and room darkening capability of your shades; the cost of upgrading to double-cell shades is well worth it. Take, for example, double-cell blackout shades. They offer the peak of insulation performance.

But don’t discount single-cell shades too quickly. Even less expensive single-cell shades can make a significant difference in your energy bill.  

Cellular shades are stylish and insulate from heat and noise.
Cellular shades are stylish and insulate from heat and noise.

Cellular Pleat Size

Another consideration for cellular shades is the pleat size options. Note that smaller pleats will look more natural in vertically shorter windows, while wider pleats will complement taller windows. Your sense of style, your choice!

Select Blinds’ Staff Recommends:

Check out some of our most popular styles of cellular shades below:

Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout Shades
Select Blinds 2" Premier Blackout Cellulars
Select Blinds Classic Light Filtering Cordless Cellular Shades

And remember to stay cool this summer!

X
Take Your Windows Shopping

Sign up now for insanely amazing inside deals!

    No thanks. I'm closing the window on this opportunity.
    We're serious about your privacy. Learn how we protect it here

    X
    Thanks for Signing Up!

    Check your inbox for something special from

    SelectBlinds

    Let's get started on selecting your new window treatments!

    Questions? Contact Us