Staying Warm, Staying Cool

With the cooler weather of autumn upon us, we are all trying to find ways to keep warm. A major part of keeping your home warm is insulating your windows - which you can do with window coverings. We thought that we would give you an idea of how different types of window coverings compare when it comes to their insulation ability. We should note that insulation is important to keep rooms warm in cool climates as well as to keep them cool in warm climates.

So, how do the different types of blinds and shades compare in this category? The best way to rate them is to use a measure called the R-value, which is a measurement of the resistance to heat transfer. The higher the R- value, the more energy efficient that window covering. Please note that any blind will provide some measure of insulation, but there are relative insulating differences in the types of treatments available.  

Window Covering	Energy Efficiency R-value (when blind or shade is closed)
	1.0 - 2.0	2.0 - 3.0	Over 3.0
Wood Blinds	.	.
Aluminum Blinds	.	.
Vertical Blinds	.	.
Pleated Shades		.
Cellular Shades	.	.	.
Roller Shades	.	.	.

 

Some blinds and shades are available in different fabrics that will affect the amount of insulation that is provided. For instance, a heavier fabric will provide more insulating power than a sheer fabric. Some wood and horizontal blinds are available with an option that hides the rout holes where the string ladders are threaded. If the rout holes are covered, more air is trapped and the blind provides better insulation.

When you are choosing the right window covering for your rooms, consider not only the decorative aspects but the practical ones as well. If your window faces south, you may want to use a different treatment than you would for a north-facing window. For more details on this particular consideration, see our North, South, East or West article.