Energy-Saving Benefits of Honeycomb Shades: The Ultimate Guide to Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Are you tired of high energy bills? Do certain rooms in your home feel too hot in summer or too cold in winter? Windows are one of the biggest sources of energy lost in any home, accounting for up to 30% of heating and cooling energy costs. For homeowners throughout Indiana and Kentucky, where we experience both scorching summers and frigid winters, finding effective energy efficient window treatments is essential for comfort and to reduce energy costs.

The Window Energy Loss Problem

Most homeowners don’t realize just how much energy – and money – literally goes out the window. Let’s explore what happens without proper energy efficient window coverings:

Heat Loss in Winter Through Windows

During cold winter months, your heated indoor air constantly transfers to the colder glass surface of your windows. This creates several problems that efficient window treatments can help solve:

• Temperature Drops: The area around windows becomes noticeably colder without insulating window treatments
• Drafty Feeling: Even when windows are perfectly sealed, the cold glass creates air movement that proper window coverings can reduce
• Overworked Heating Systems: Your furnace must run longer to maintain comfortable temperatures without energy efficient window treatments
• Higher Energy Bills: Extended heating cycles consume more energy and increase costs when windows lack proper insulation
• Inconsistent Comfort: Temperature variations between rooms and areas near windows can be improved with the right cellular shades

Heat Gain in Summer Through Windows

In summer months, the problems reverse but are equally costly without energy efficient window treatments:

• Greenhouse Effect: Sunlight passes through windows and heats interior surfaces, which cellular shades can help prevent
• Temperature Spikes: Rooms with significant window exposure become uncomfortably hot without proper window coverings
• Air Conditioning Strain: Your cooling system works overtime to compensate if you don’t have energy efficient window treatments
• Increased Energy Consumption: More cooling means higher energy bills without proper window shades
• UV Damage: Heat gain comes with harmful UV rays that fade flooring, furniture, and artwork that the right window treatments can block

The Honeycomb Shade Solution: How Energy Efficient Window Treatments Work

Honeycomb shades (also called cellular shades) were specifically engineered as energy efficient window coverings that address window energy loss through an innovative design that trap air within distinct pockets or “cells.” These energy efficient shades create an effective thermal barrier between your room and the window.

The Science Behind Energy Efficient Cellular Shades

Honeycomb shades utilize several scientific principles to enhance energy efficiency in your home:

1. Dead Air Space Insulation in Cellular Shades

• The cells in honeycomb shades create trapped air pockets
• Air is an excellent insulator when it can’t circulate, making these window treatments highly efficient
• Multiple layers of trapped air in cellular shades increase insulation effectiveness
• This same principle is used in high-performance building insulation and makes these window coverings so energy efficient

2. Reflective Surface Technology in Energy Efficient Shades

• Light-colored honeycomb shade fabrics reflect solar radiation back outdoors
• This prevents heat transfer through absorption and re-radiation
• Darker shade fabrics can be selected when heat gain is desirable in cooler months
• These energy efficient window treatments work in multiple seasons to optimize your home’s energy use

3. Side Channel Options for Window Treatments

• Many honeycomb shade installations can include side channels
• These further reduce air movement around the shade edges
• Creates a more complete thermal envelope for your window treatments
• Maximizes the energy efficiency of your window coverings

Measuring Energy Efficiency: Understanding R-Values of Window Treatments

When comparing energy efficient window treatments, R-value is the standard measurement of thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance of your window coverings.

R-Value Comparisons of Window Treatments

To understand how energy efficient honeycomb shades perform, consider these R-value comparisons:

• Single-pane window alone: R-value of approximately 0.9-1.0
• Double-pane window alone: R-value of approximately 1.5-2.0
• Standard draperies: Add approximately 0.5-1.0 R-value
• Window blinds: Add approximately 0.5-0.8 R-value
• Single cell shades: Add approximately 2.0-3.0 R-value
• Double cell shades: Add approximately 3.0-4.5 R-value
• Triple cell shades: Add approximately.4.0-6.0 R-value

For perspective, adding double cell shades to a standard double-pane window can more than double its insulating value, approaching the performance of a premium triple-pane window at a fraction of the cost. This makes cellular shades one of the most energy efficient window treatments available.

Real-World Energy Savings with Window Treatments

The theoretical benefits of energy efficient honeycomb shades translate into tangible savings for homeowners. Based on our customers’ experiences throughout Indiana and Kentucky:

Winter Heating Savings with Energy Efficient Window Treatments

During cold months, properly installed cellular shades typically:

• Reduce heating costs by 15-25% compared to uncovered windows
• Eliminate cold spots near windows through improved insulation
• Allow lower thermostat settings while maintaining comfort
• Reduce furnace runtime and associated wear and tear
• Keep your home warm in the winter by creating a thermal barrier at the window

Summer Cooling Benefits of Energy Efficient Window Coverings

In warmer months, the same energy efficient shades provide:

• Reduction in cooling energy costs of 15-30%
• Decreased solar heat gain in south and west-facing rooms
• More consistent temperatures throughout the home
• Protection from harmful UV rays that damage furnishings
• Keep your home cool in the summer by blocking heat transfer through window glass

Annual Return on Investment for Energy Efficient Window Treatments

While energy efficient honeycomb shades require an upfront investment, the payback period is impressively short:

• Typical energy savings of $150-$300 annually for an average home
• Return on investment often achieved within 3-5 years
• Continued savings on your energy bill throughout the 7-10 year typical lifespan
• Additional value through improved comfort and home protection
• Lower energy bills year-round with properly installed window treatments

Beyond Energy Efficiency: Additional Benefits of Cellular Shades

While energy savings are their primary advantage, honeycomb shades offer numerous other benefits that enhance their value as window treatments:

Light Control Options with Cellular Shades

Energy-efficient honeycomb shades are available in a range of opacity levels:

• Sheer: Filters light while maintaining outside views
• Light-Filtering: Diffuses harsh sunlight into a soft, ambient glow while maintaining energy efficiency
• Room-Darkening: Significantly reduces light penetration and increases insulation
• Blackout: Blocks virtually all light with special side channel designs for maximum energy