Energy-Efficient Shades

Compared to insulated walls and ceilings, windows easily allow more heat to escape from a room in winter. Winter’s chillier weather doesn’t have to leave Jack Frost nipping at your nose, though. Energy-efficient shades, which create a layer of insulation at the window, can go a long way toward keeping more warm air inside your house.

Likewise, when temps heat up, those same shades will help your house stay cool during the dog days—a solution that’s a lot easier on your electric bill than cranking up the A/C.

Looking for the best energy-efficient choices? Consider the following trio of styles.

Cellular shades have a unique, honeycomb design, and are the most energy-efficient window treatment available. Their honeycomb “cell” construction traps air in distinct pockets at the window, so your house stays comfortable when it’s cold. 

These shades are crafted from two layers of fabric, marrying the clean lines of a classic roller with a cellular design. This cellular layer is the key to their energy efficiency. 

You can also find shades that combine the sculpted look of a Roman shade with the construction of a cellular shade. The result? A beautiful, cordless solution for taking a bite out of winter.  

No matter which energy-efficient shade style you choose, make sure to open shades during the day in winter so that the heat from direct sunlight warms your home, and then close your shades at night to help retain the heat. (On cloudy winter days, closing your shades will keep the warm air in.)

And in summer, close your shades during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from heating up a room.