If you put your hand near a window in winter, not touching it but just a few inches away, you can feel the window sucking the energy out of the room. The cold radiates in drawing the warmth out of the room.



It's no better in the summer as you sit in your sweltering living room, your air conditioning laboring non-stop to keep the room cool.

The Right Window Shades Can Also Serve as Insulators

Short of building a house with no windows, the best solution is to use energy efficient window treatments. You can still enjoy the pleasant views out your windows but at the worst of the heat or cold, draw the blinds and insulate your home. Most blinds are designed to let in plenty of light so the room remains friendly and comfortable while keeping the extremes of temperature at bay.

Almost every type of insulation, whether it's the fiberglass in your attic or the down in your parka, is designed to trap air and the air is what acts as the insulator. Window shades restrict the flow of air around the window, trapping a layer of insulating air between the window and the blind.

Cellular or Honeycomb Shades, One of the Best Insulators

Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, take the insulating concept a step further. They have many small cells inside that trap air, like a blanket for your window. This creates another layer of insulation which makes your windows more energy efficient.

For particularly extreme climates, double cell shades provide maximum insulating value. They have twice as many air-trapping chambers in each shade so insulate even better than typical cellular blinds.

Most cellular window shades can be opened from the top or the bottom. Although this has nothing to do with energy efficiency, it can add a layer of privacy other blinds don't have. When open from the top they let in light while preserving your privacy.

Another Energy Efficient Choice: Wood Blinds

Although cellular shades are the most energy efficient, they don't fit in some room decors. Wood blinds are a good balance between energy efficiency and decorative flair.

Wood blinds add warmth that other window treatments can't match while still offering superior insulation qualities. They block light better than many other window treatments.

Some people are put off by the cost of wood blinds, but they have an option. Faux wood blinds have the look and efficiency of real wood at a fraction of the cost. Their moisture resistance can make them better than wood in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.