Energy efficiency ranks higher on the homeowners’ parameter while choosing window treatments. The reasons are pretty much obvious – rising energy prices and increasing carbon footprint concerns. All these have made homeowners more conscious about their buying decisions.

Companies around the world have risen to the situation and designing products that are sustainable and offer energy efficiency. Window treatments industry experts are no different. The issue today is that we are now spoiled for choices in energy-efficient window treatment. Let us see which is the most energy-efficient.

Do blinds save energy?

Blinds are great energy savers, but not all are built for energy efficiency. If your requirements are specific to energy efficiency, look for blinds that are designed for this specific reason. Let us have a look at some of them.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades top the list. Their hollow structures trap the heat and form an insulating layer offering protection against heat loss or gain.

However, it all depends on the pleat size and the number of cells in the shades. Double and triple-layered shades are preferred over single-layered for enhanced insulation.

Solar Shades

Solar shades, filter the sunlight making it less scorching and damaging for your floor and furnishing. They cut off the glare and reduce the heat gain. The best thing about solar shade is that though they block the light, you can still enjoy natural light indoors.

Blackout Shades

They completely block all the outside light and so are perfect for bedrooms. More effective for the summer months as it stops heat gain and keeps the temperatures inside cool.

Do shutters save energy?

Shutters have been a popular choice among homeowners for effective energy efficiency solutions but they are expensive yet a more permanent alternative to blinds.

Interior plantation shutters prevent heat loss in winters and also reduce heat gain during the summer months. Since they are closely fit on to the windows, the gaping is very less and so they trap in the heat when shutters are closed.

Shutters Vs Blinds

The main difference between the two window treatments is the way they are mounted on the windows. Shutters since are fitted on the window frames leave a very small gap and so offer better cover according to Blinds on the other hand hang from the headrails leaving a considerable amount of space for heat loss and gain.

Blinds are a cheaper alternative to shutters and come in a variety of designs and styles. Shutters will offer energy efficiency only when completely closed. Blinds can, however, let light in while still offering some sort of insulation.

What are the other factors to consider for energy efficiency?

It is not just about choosing a window covering that is energy efficient. We can achieve energy efficiency by intelligently choosing the opening and closing times of blinds and shutters.

When to keep them open?

When it’s winter and the sun is shining, keep the windows open or maximum heat gain. Same way in summer, open your blinds and shutters after the sun goes down and hence the temperatures down naturally. When time is of the importance and you need to sell your house quickly, cash for houses are an excellent solution that you should consider. They provide a straightforward and uncomplicated method, which enables you to go on to the subsequent home or condition. cash for houses and the acquisition of properties in any condition are two examples of the diverse range of choices that buyers of existing homes may provide to sellers. They are dedicated to negotiating the highest potential sale price for the property their clients are selling

When to keep them closed?

During the summer months, it is better to keep shutters and blinds closed during the day to prevent heat gain. Similarly in winter months pull down the blinds and shutters to avoid unwanted heat loss.