And check out our DIY window treatments that’ll keep you comfortable while saving you money. Why Cellular Shades Are the Most Energy Efficient Window Covering All of our shades save energy, but these ones are truly the cream of the crop. I made removable insiders for the 10 ft. tall, double hung windows in my 100 year old home. Insulating Your Home with Roller Shades. ... Energy Efficiency Ratings: These shades are perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other rooms where privacy is essential. The Best Cellular Shades for Your Windows The best cellular shades for your windows are energy-efficient options that can transform the look … Sign in with your online account. Find directions for this and other DIY window coverings at BuildItSolar.com. I read a short article that said you could use bubble wrap as a poor mans window insulation. Cellular shades are the most energy efficient window coverings available. With three small pullys and some nylon rope, the blankets rool up above the doors. Types of window shades. Cellular window shades give you better energy efficiency because you don't have to use your home's heating or cooling systems as frequently. Depending on the season and time of day, we may want to let in as much light, heat, fresh air and view as possible — or do our best to keep those things out — in the name of comfort, energy efficiency and privacy. Indeed, any window covers that allow warm, moist interior air to come into contact with cold glass will cause water droplets to form — risking rot and mold on wooden window frames. Learn more about my passion for clean beauty. Home Energy Audits: Measure Your Energy Costs and Add Up the Savings, Reduce Heat Loss With Thermal Panel Window Insulation, Living Off Grid: How to Make Insulated Shades. Just cut to size and tape in place. Well In our home we use . Achieve amazing energy efficiency and the loveliest natural lighting with cellular shades from Portland Window Coverings. are probably beyond the scope of a home energy audit, so you’ll need to do some further research. Similar to solar shades, Graber Roller Shades offer easy ways to improve energy efficiency in your home. Hunter Douglas’s Duette Architella cellular shades are commercially available and qualify for Federal Energy Tax Credits through Dec. 31, 2013. I checked out the cost for the 8 large windows in my sunroom/office, and they are so expensive that the amortization period would extend 20 years beyond my lifetime! 6 Most Energy-Efficient Blinds and Shades – Factory Direct Blinds And with Stoneside's custom cellular shades, you also get the benefit of high-quality, attractive window treatments that fit perfectly with your style. They have the best attributes of Roman Shades, Cellular Shades and Venetian blinds all rolled into one. International Subscribers - Click Here My dad bought that 4 months ago and it a good thing we buy it really work we made some test before and after buying the blinds. I didn’t want to take away from our custom molding and window casings and I feel like the route we chose worked out perfectly! This is what our local expert says: A window quilt (that is, an insulated shade) made of airtight material will do the job nicely as long as the edge of the quilt is sealed to the window frame using bottom weights, magnetic tape, Velcro strips, or snaps and hooks. Before you buy window covers for your home, take a little time to understand the complexities of energy-efficient window treatments — including the pros and cons of insulated curtains, thermal panels, cellular shades and more. Cellular Shades. Megan E. Phelps is a freelance writer based in Kansas. Homeowners can stop condensation from forming by creating a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the glass’s cold surface. High Note Designs, LLC. However, many green-building professionals agree that replacement windows are usually not an effective way to spend your money. The process of installing cordless cellular shades is simple and can be part of your DIY project. Is there a cheap way of making interior storm windows? (I'm 71 years old now, and figure I'll be around till 85.). They’re not going to pay you back in energy savings,” says Ken Riead, a home-energy rater and trainer with Hathmore Technologies in Independence, Mo. Your email address will not be published. Save energy! Add side channels for nearly total blackout. Even though they don’t have the cells to trap air, Bali Pleated Shades still provide some energy efficiency benefits—especially when you add a light-colored liner to reflect solar r… Specifically regarding windows, a home energy audit will assess whether your best investment would be new windows, storm windows, or additional weatherstripping and caulking. The windows in my home are 30 years old and are crankouts. Treatment can block UV but also block natural light. We love all things DIY, energy efficiency and interior design. Cellular Shades - Honeycomb Cell Shades - Free Cellular Blinds … Natural Cold Storage: Fresh Food in Winter, Keeping Crops Cool During Hot Weather: 13 Ways to Beat the Heat, Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 64% Off the Cover Price. Replacement windows are easy to get excited about because they offer efficiency features that can lower your energy bills. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only). Windows can be a problem maker when your concern is energy efficiency. Take note of the tips provided below to make sure that your shades are mounted correctly and they make a perfect fit. I agree that new windows may not be the best solution. Predrill holes and install using long wood screws. Cellular Window Shades - 267 Followers, 257 Following, 2749 pins | Your online source for insulating cellular shades! Tips for Perfect Installation of Cordless Cellular Shades. Every cellular shade that leaves our facility is laden with insulating cells that insulate the window to reduce energy consumption during Summer, Winter, and every month in between. Learn more about Graber Window Treatments here, Christmas “Tablescaping” Décor for Small Tables. It works by trapping air and creating a layer of insulation between your window and room’s interior. The Homemade Thermal Shade; window quilt with vapor barrier to prevent condensation, Reduce Heat Loss With Thermal Panel Window Insulation; pop-in interior shutters that function as thermal panels, Living Off Grid: How to Make Insulated Shades; insulated Roman shades, Make Your Own Storm Windows; fixed window panels (aka interior storm windows) made of wood trim and plastic sheeting. Energy efficient window treatments help reduce energy costs by providing insulation to protect your home from heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. Sonnette™ Cellular Roller Shades combine the insulating construction of a cellular shade with the clean lines and simplicity of a roller shade. Survival Skills, Garden Planning, Seed Saving, Food Preservation, Natural Health – Dozens of courses, 100+ workshops, and interactive Q&As. With the exception of storm windows, recommendations about energy-efficient window treatments (cellular shades, thermal panels, awnings, etc.) Top Down-Bottom Up Cordless Honeycomb Cellular shades are amongst the most popular & modern window coverings. So how do we make window treatments work for us, and still be efficient? I am having an energy audit done next month. Even those of us whose homes have high-performance windows want them to work better. I take these down in the spring and marked each frame to go back in the same window in the winter. Regardless of whether you end up replacing your existing windows, you should look into ways of improving their performance. I used 1/2" square wooden screen frame and "L" brackets on the corners, predrill the holes for wood screws because 1/2" wood is pretty flimsy. For a few hundred dollars — a fraction of the price of installing new windows, new wall insulation, or even a new heating and cooling system — a home energy professional will come to your residence to evaluate which options are a good deal by calculating the energy saved and the payback period. (You can search online for used copies or order a reprint from Knowledge Publications). To get the most out of our windows, we need them to be adjustable. I would not use a vapor barrier (plastic sheet) with a window quilt if it was to be used as a baby sleeping bag, for obvious reasons. The website has a lot of good information on energy conservation, including how to make windows more energy-efficient. As you can see, no single energy-efficient window treatment will work for everyone. Cellular shades are a relatively new trend in the window shade industry. Cellular shades, also commonly referred to as honeycomb shades, are an exceptionally versatile and energy-efficient window treatment. Measure very carefully so these will fit snuggly inside the window frame (add felt weather stripping if it's not snug enough). Light control options from sheer to blackout ensure your room is stylish yet comfortable year round. Huge difference in the winter. Cellular shades are designed to offer a high degree of privacy and light control, while also offering the best in energy efficiency. Cellular Shades Energy Savings; ... LEVOLOR Custom Cellular shades aren’t just stylish – they help keep your home more comfortable. They are constructed using cell pockets, and when viewed from the side, the pockets have a honeycomb shape. The easiest way to find out whether you have efficient windows is to have a home energy audit. Energy Efficient Energy efficiency is our gold standard. If you’re only interested in products that will provide shade in summer, the selection tool will direct you to those types of window covers. This article is packed with great ideas, and I intend to implement some of them in my own home this winter. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that windows typically account for 25 percent of annual heating and cooling costs in older houses, and can even be responsible for as much as 40 percent. Altogether, they can help you save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling costs and raise the comfort level inside your home. (Get the full scoop at Home Energy Audits: Measure Your Energy Costs and Add Up the Savings.). Also referred to as honeycomb shades, these window treatments have fabric cells that open and close in the same way as an accordion. Note: UV window treatments will also block sunlight that your house plants to grow, which can also mean that you can add those plants you like that do not like direct sunlight to your home jungle. MOTHER EARTH NEWS offers these articles on how to make your own window treatments. <–read that again, and out loud! Learn more about energy efficiency along with other tips to save energy at home and check out our selection of insulated blinds and shades. You can even make some insulated window coverings yourself. The book gives step-by-step instructions for caulking and weatherstripping, installing insulated shades, and putting in your own storm windows. The magic of these specific window treatments is in their unique shape. They are some of the best looking insulating blinds available. For example, in cold northern climates, moisture condensation issues need special attention, and the wrong type of window covers can do permanent damage. Cellular shades. My purpose is to help lead you to a healthier lifestyle. Bali Cellular Shades are specially designed for energy efficiency. To avoid problems, you should look at window treatments rated highly for condensation resistance, and if you indicate that you live in a northern climate, the tool will automatically default to those options. Already a Member but A good starting place is the “Weighing Your Window Options” chart (also in Image Gallery). Bali Cellular Shades are a stylish way to save money on your energy bills year-round. Cellular shades are available in a wide variety of fabrics, including single cell and double cell fabrics (read our blog on the difference between single cell and double cell), so the R-value will vary based on the fabric used. Reysa offers links to numerous resources, as well as details on three window covers he’s tried himself: homemade cardboard shutters, Bubble Wrap window coverings, and fixed interior window panels. That said a lot of houseplants that are good air purifiers prefer low light levels. And it provides information on warranties to help you choose energy-efficient window treatments that are also durable. Commercially available insulated window covers include these thermal shades from www.HeatSaverShades.com. Another great online resource is Build It Solar, the website managed by Gary Reysa, a retired aircraft engineer whose DIY home-energy projects have been featured in Mother Earth News. Find the Best Energy-Efficient Window Treatments | MOTHER … I'm passionate about healthy living. If you're looking for a beautiful way to increase energy efficiency for your Sacramento area business offices or home, or you need to darken your bedroom or home theater, our custom cellular shades are the perfect solution. You may think the hands-down best choice is insulated cellular shades — because the chart shows they have one of the highest possible insulation values — but cellular shades have poor resistance to condensation, which can be a serious issue in cold, wet climates. Hi friend, I'm Lisette. “If you have decent windows now, does it pay to replace them? Already a Member? Bubble Wrap is a quick way to insulate a window when the view doesn't matter. Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about the hows and whys of insulated window coverings, and especially if you want to try making your own, be sure to snag a copy of the book Movable Insulation by North Carolina-based architect William Langdon. I've used these for about 10 years now making minor repairs as needed. Bamboo-Roman-Shades.org is the site for Cash Advance. Less expensive energy-efficient window treatments — such as plastic sheeting and thermal curtains — are often better bets. We believe in saving money, living comfortably, and making it easy, too! No shade is more energy efficient than a honeycomb. Why I Chose Energy Efficient Cellular Shades for the Home Office Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST). Increase Your Sacramento Home's Energy Efficiency With Honeycomb and Cellular Shades. Before you start sewing insulated curtains or budgeting to buy storm windows, compare a range of energy-efficient window treatments using the Window Coverings and Attachment tool, a joint project of BuildingGreen, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the DOE. Happily, homeowners can make their windows perform better by choosing energy-efficient window treatments such as insulated curtains and blinds. Hope they work as well for you. First published in 1980, it remains a useful resource. Its true, window treatment is good, but can never perform as good as low e with energy efficiency. The first thing that anybody is going to do is change the way it works,” says Peter Yost, vice president for technical services at the publisher BuildingGreen. This post may contain affiliate links and/or PR samples. The unique design of cellular shades allows them to provide unmatched insulating qualities. Few simple steps and you have your shades up functioning with ease. Cellular shades are great at keeping out the Florida heat — the room darkening honeycombs also keep out the sun in your bedroom. They are washable, surprisingly sturdy, and have really helped raise the comfort level and lower the heating costs for my drafty, old house. She enjoys reading and writing about all things related to sustainable living including homesteading skills, green building and renewable energy. Add a cross member after the plastic or the frame will keep turning itself into a parallelogram. The result of this construction is visually appealing, long-lasting cellular shades in Cincinnati that also offer you a great deal of energy efficiency. Cellular shades have become a popular shade selection in Cincinnati. These changes take place with the addition of blinds, insulated shades, thermal curtains or other coverings. The shades can be opened from the top to let in natural light, while still covering most of the window to ensure your privacy. Low e windows are designed to lower the amount of UV light that enters through a window without lowering the light type that brings brightness into your home. Old-fashioned homemade curtains are easy to pull aside and they’re quite affordable, but they provide negligible insulation value. Be sure you weigh the pros and cons before making your choice. We want to know what energy saving actions are needed. Our Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades earn their name from their honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air in distinct pockets to increase insulation, temperature control, and energy savings. But some plants will have to be moved closer to windows or moved closer to get the right light amount needed to grow. Hi, thanks for stopping by. Our shades have a payback period of roughly 5 yrs – they pay YOU BACK! The website is pretty slick: The tool makes suggestions based partly on the climate and location selected by the user. Energy flies right out the window when there are no insulated coverings, as this heat map reveals. Thanks! High-insulating window quilts are an easy do-it-yourself project — but maybe you’d prefer energy-efficient curtains that don’t block the view, ventilation and daylight. Check with your electric company for an audit. The dual shade option maximizes privacy without losing your view to the outdoors. P.S. Here’s how: The fabric's honeycomb shape traps hot and cold air in cellular pockets reducing air flow into your home. At MOTHER EARTH NEWS for 50 years and counting, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. Cover the frame with super thick, crystal clear plastic and secure with staples. No. Your home will stay warmer longer. Their cleverly curved shape gently softens the light for a beautiful glow while providing energy efficiency at the window. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. We should be able to know where to put the energy saving dollars in our home after the audit. Aug 12, 2012 - Find Cash Advance, Debt Consolidation and more at Bamboo-Roman-Shades.org. Cellular shades are engineered to trap warm or cool air in specially designed pockets. “It doesn’t matter whether you get the best window in the world. Ours charges $100.00 for one through Honeywell and included is a water heater cover, low flow shower heads, cfl lightbulbs and low flow sink areators, as needed. Cellular Shades Are Energy-Efficient So You Can Reduce Energy Bills Get the best of Insurance or Free Credit Report, browse our section on Cell Phones or learn about Life Insurance. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. Windows are often described as “holes in the wall” for good reason. Canadian Subscribers - Click Here We use moving blankets to make roman shades. As a result, many homeowners, like you, keep air conditioning units or insulators on, as the case maybe, just to keep your home more comfortable during summer or winter. Attached above our french doors and at the bottom, a dowel is attached. Windows have a huge impact on how our homes look, feel and function, so we want to get them right. Luckily, much of the legwork has been done for you. You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues. Each fall I clean them, lubricate the tracks and weatherstrips. They are energy efficient, have style and light filtering qualities. 98 Cellular shades are made in a honeycomb-shaped cell design that traps air, insulating your window and reducing heat transfer by as much as 22% in the winter and 56% in the summer. Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy.They use a series of honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But even the best windows have a hard time doing everything we want them to do — let in light and views, keep out the cold, etc. And the cost for materials was $25. The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency created the ENERGY STAR designation for products that meet high-performing energy efficiency criteria. The most energy efficient shades are double cell and work in conjunction with energy saving sidetracks.