It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that we lose a lot of heat through our windows. If you’re trying to conserve energy and leave a small carbon footprint, using an energy-efficient window treatment is going to save you money and reduce your energy consumption all year. This is where cellular shades come into play.
The most energy-efficient cellular shades will be practical, save you energy, look aesthetically pleasing, and if necessary, reduce light to create a blackout effect. One of the best things about cellular shades is they have a wide variety of pleat sizes, colors, and light control options. This makes them very versatile and can fit just about any home or window.
According to energy.gov “tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by 40% or more, which equates to about 20% heating energy savings. In cooling seasons, cellular shades can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 80%, reducing the total solar gain to 15% or less when installed with a tight fit.”
The options and variety of cellular shades below will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
How Do Cellular Shades Work?
Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are window coverings designed to provide insulation and enhance energy efficiency within a room. They derive their name from their unique structure, which resembles a honeycomb or cellular pattern when viewed from the side.
Here’s how cellular shades work:
- Design and Structure: Cellular shades are constructed using two or more layers of fabric that are fused together to create individual cells, resembling honeycomb cells. These cells form air pockets that trap air between the layers, serving as a barrier that helps regulate temperature.
- Insulation: The trapped air within the honeycomb cells acts as an insulator. During the winter, these pockets of air help keep the cold air outside and prevent heat from escaping the room. In the summer, they prevent hot air from entering and keep the cool air indoors.
- Light Control: Cellular shades come in various opacity levels, ranging from sheer to blackout. The opacity determines how much light can pass through the shades. Sheer options allow soft diffused light, while blackout options block out nearly all light.
- Energy Efficiency: Due to their insulation properties, cellular shades can reduce heat transfer through windows, ultimately leading to energy savings. By maintaining a more consistent indoor temperature, homeowners can rely less on heating and cooling systems.
- Cordless and Motorized Options: Many cellular shades come with cordless or motorized mechanisms for raising and lowering the shades. This not only provides a neat and streamlined appearance but also enhances safety, especially in homes with children or pets.
- Top-Down/Bottom-Up: Cellular shades often offer the flexibility of being operated from both the top and bottom. This feature allows you to control privacy and light while still enjoying a view or maintaining privacy.
- Sound Absorption: The fabric layers and air pockets in cellular shades can also contribute to reducing noise from outside, providing a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.
In essence, cellular shades work by utilizing their honeycomb structure to create a buffer of trapped air that acts as an insulating barrier, effectively regulating temperature and light within a room. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency and enhance comfort.
If you live in a moderate climate the single-cell shades may work just fine.
The Opacity of Cellular Shades
Opacity refers to the amount of light that is allowed through. For cellular shades, there are four options: sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque and opaque. The sheer option allows for maximum light to shine through, with the opaque option creating a blackout effect.
The opaque cellular shades are one of the best choices for true room darkening. It’s common for swing shift and graveyard shift workers to use these opaque shades to allow them to create a dark room, even on the brightest days.
Options of Cellular Shades
The available options of cellular shades are what can really set them apart from other window treatments. Cellular shades are available in motorized, cordless, and top down bottom up varieties. The motorized cellular shades are controllable via remote control.
Great for those that are limited in their mobility or for windows that are harder to reach. The cordless cellular shades have no dangling cord which can prevent a hazard to small children or pets.
Finally, the top down bottom up option is great for privacy and functionality. Typical blinds are fastened at the top meaning they can only be lowered down. The bottom up functionality allows you to raise the shades up, from the bottom allowing you to see above the shades while having the lower portion blocked.
Pleat Size of Cellular Shades
Another option available in cellular shades is the pleat size. Most cellular shades are available from 3/8”-3/4” pleats. The smaller pleats typically look best on the smaller windows, with the bigger pleats looking better on the larger windows.
Cellular shades are versatile and minimal but can have maximum energy efficiency.
So now that I’ve discussed some of the common varieties people research, here is a look at some of the most energy-efficient cellular shades.
Best Energy Efficient Cellular Shades
Bali Blinds
1) Bali Blinds Cellular Shades – If budget-friendly is the top consideration in your decision, these affordable basic cellular shades might be best. Great for rental properties, or windows with little use. This smart and stylish shade provides privacy and gently filters the light entering your home or office The unique honeycomb construction absorbs sound and insulates your windows keeping rooms comfortable year-round while lowering utility bills These shades have been Certified Best for Kids and the cordless lift raises or lowers the shade with just a simple touch These blinds are available in different sizes to best fit your windows.
Features and Benefits
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Easy to install
- Cordless provides a clean look
- Help reduce heat transfer
Chicology
2) Chicology Cordless Cellular Shades – Chicology cordless honeycomb cellular shades are efficient in function, performance, style, and energy. They add of touch modern look while helping against penetrating summer heat or winter air. The cordless honeycomb cellular shade hexagon unique structure cells design has been mastered to become a premium draft and heat barrier. The cordless honeycomb design does a marvelous job at trapping air, keeping your home cool in the summer heat and a great insulator in the winter; Saving you money on summer/heating energy bills year-round.
Features and Benefits
- Helps prevent your home’s thermal loss
- Easy lift cordless function
- Noise reduction and energy efficient
- Available in a variety of colors and light filtering
Graywind
3) Graywind Motorized 100% Blackout Single Cell Cellular Shades – If you have taller windows that are harder to reach or possibly furniture blocking access to your windows, the motorized feature can help. Great for offices, baby rooms, or any room that requires a bit of solitude and silence. Compatible with smart devices, this motorized cellular shades spares no feature for optimal convenience. The blackout features are great for those working the graveyard shift and need a dark room for sleep.
Features and Benefits
- Motorized capabilities make is super convenient
- Compatible with smart devices making it hands-free
- Available in a variety of colors
- One remote can control at most 5 shades at the same time or separately
First Rate Blinds
4) Cordless Double Cell Shades – For those looking to conserve the most energy and leave a smaller carbon footprint, these double cell shades are fantastic. Great for those who live in hot or cold climates these cellular shades trap two layers of air for added insulation. Double Cell Cordless Light Filtering Shades are the perfect window covering for homes with small children and pets since they are cordless. Not only do these shades put safety first, but they are also great insulators, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The white to the street makes them great for HOA’s that have window treatment requirements.
Features and Benefits
- Double cellular insulation for energy efficiency
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Blackout features to truly darken the room
- 100% polyester making them easy to clean
As you can see there are a wide variety of cellular shades. The single cell shade is the most common with the double cell shades providing extra insulation, but are limited by the number of manufacturers. The motorized cellular shades are great for convenince but will come at a higher price point.
How to Care for Cellular Shades
Caring for cellular shades is relatively simple and can help extend their lifespan while keeping them clean and functional. Here are some steps to effectively care for your cellular shades:
- Regular Dusting: Use a feather duster, microfiber cloth, or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and debris from the surface of the shades. Regular dusting can prevent dirt buildup and maintain the appearance of the fabric.
- Vacuuming: If your shades have accumulated more dirt or dust, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low suction setting to gently clean the fabric. Start from the top and work your way down, being careful not to apply excessive pressure.
- Spot Cleaning: If you notice stains or spills on your cellular shades, it’s important to address them promptly. Dampen a clean cloth with mild detergent diluted in water, and gently blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this may damage the fabric. After spot cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue and then allow the shade to air dry.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Avoid using strong cleaning agents, solvents, or abrasive materials on your cellular shades, as they can damage the fabric and affect the shades’ performance.
- Cord and Mechanism Care: If your cellular shades are cord-operated, handle the cords with care to prevent tangling or damage. If your shades have a cordless mechanism, ensure smooth and gentle operation to prevent wear and tear.
- Top-Down/Bottom-Up Operation: If your shades have this feature, avoid raising or lowering them too quickly, as it may strain the cords or mechanisms. Use a steady and controlled motion to extend the lifespan of the shades.
- Professional Cleaning: For stubborn stains or extensive dirt buildup, you may consider professional cleaning services that specialize in window coverings. They have the expertise to clean cellular shades without causing damage.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: While spot cleaning is acceptable, avoid excessive moisture on the shades, as it can affect the fabric’s integrity and the adhesive used to bond the layers.
- Prevent Sun Damage: Cellular shades are designed to provide UV protection, but over time, direct and prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause fading. Consider using sheer curtains or other window treatments to further protect the shades from UV rays.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your cellular shades remain clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
Wrapping up Energy Efficient Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are great for increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Creating an insulation barrier between your home and the window will help keep heat in the home during the winter and keep thermal loading in the summer to a minimum. The wide variety of colors and transparency makes it easy to accommodate any home. If utilizing less energy while saving money is important, cellular shades are a great addition for any home.