Insulated cellular shades are typically considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value and reducing the conduction of heat through the window.
The shades are made of multiple cells that trap cold air, insulating the room from heat loss in the winter (and heat gain in the summer). They can help your company minimize draftiness and reduce its heating bill, providing a smart investment that will more than pay for itself over time.
Cellular Shade Fabric Is Built for Insulation
Because the fabric forms air pockets (cells), which trap heat and cold. When surrounded by the right material, air pockets are a tremendous insulator. In fact, that's how most insulation works!
You probably don't think of that when buying them, but they do have energy-saving benefits because of their insulating property. According to Alliant Energy, cellular shades can reduce up to 62% of the heat that transfers through a window.
Light filtering privacy shades provide day and night time privacy while still allowing light through your windows. Light filtering shades are made from textured woven materials in different colors. The whole purpose of this type of shade is to filter out sunlight and provide insulation.
Cellular shades have honeycomb shaped cells that trap air within their pockets, which in turn provides a layer of insulation. For the best results, use shades that have two cells rather than one. Cellular shades have the highest efficiency value, making them one of the best choices for window treatments in your home.
Cellular shades are the most energy efficient window coverings available.
Despite a few drawbacks, honeycomb shades can offer a great option for the windows in nearly any home. They offer a simple, sleek look for modern spaces, and work well in more traditional settings when paired with decorative valances or draperies.
Another amazing benefit to the cellular design of honeycomb blinds is its inherent ability to block out noise. While these blinds are by no means soundproof, they do add an extra layer of tranquility to your home by dampening the various noises from outside.
Forget your thermal or lined curtains, your roller or Roman blinds, the honeycomb blind leaves them all out in the cold. According to a Consumer NZ test, the honeycomb retained more heat than any other kind of window treatment – nearly 60 per cent more than is lost through an uncovered window.
R-value of window treatments
Typical Horizontal blinds have an average R-value of 2.5 while honeycomb shades are better insulators and have an R-value of 3.25 to 5. By increasing the R-value of a window covering one can decrease on energy bills.
Because of their two layers, double cell shades give you better insulation from loud noise. They also insulate you and increase your energy efficiency a little better than single-cell shades do. Double cell shades usually come in smaller sizes – less than ½ inch.
Honeycomb blinds (also known as cellular blinds) are the most energy-efficient options. These blinds are so effective because each 'honeycomb' in the blind is able to trap still air. Because air is such a good insulator, this means less heat escapes from your home in winter.
Cellular shades
- Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades—This style is the most energy-efficient cellular shade available, providing even greater insulation than the original Duette.
If you're living in an area that gets hot and cold, cellular shades are the better choice. Field studies conducted by the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) on Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades have shown that cellular shades outperform traditional vinyl blinds in terms of energy savings.
A cellular shade has a more complex construction. Also called “honeycomb shades,” cellular shades have geometric folds that resemble honeycombs. Cellular window shades are available with both a single layer of these honeycombs and a double layer, called “single cell” and “double cell,” respectively.
Cellular shades not only block heat and cold, they also protect homes against damaging UV rays. By closing cellular window treatments during hours where direct sunlight hits, homes remain cooler. Some cellular window shades also qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1500.00.
The darker color you choose, the more the honeycomb cellular shades will filter your light transmission(meaning it won't be as bright). At night time depending on your lighting situation you may be able to see shadows when standing next to the honeycomb shades but you can not see through the window shades.
How Long Do Cellular And Roman Shades Last? Shades, from heat-blocking cellular and honeycomb shades to stylish and modern Roman shades, outclass blinds in their longevity. With an average lifespan of 5-7 years, they can probably match the timing of when the average homeowner changes their entire home décor.
Cellular shades are a durable choice because they're usually made of a mixture of bonded polyester and spun lace that stays strong for many years. This makes them a worthwhile investment that provides good value for money.
Insulating your home will certainly help condensation on your walls but to stop it condensing on the cold glass, you need to manage air-flow/ventilation Good glazing helps but even WITH double glazing and really good, well fitted honeycomb blinds or curtains, you may still get condensation.
Light filtering fabrics are perfect for rooms where you want to trim the heat and prevent UV damage, but allow some light in. You don't have to have a dark room to keep it cool! Blackout shades block 99% of the light and incoming heat to the room.
Double cell shades work especially well in shallower or smaller windows. Thanks to the extra layer of cells, they offer even more insulating properties than single cell shades and can even help block noise from outside.
Room-darkening shades reduce approximately 95-99 percent of light that enters a room. On the other hand, blackout styles can eliminate brightness by up to 100 percent in some cases. They may not make your space pitch black, but they will effectively darken it at any time of day.