Cellular blinds are designed to provide a higher level of insulation than traditional blinds, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Depending on the type of fabric you choose, insulating qualities can vary, but most cellular blinds are constructed from a material that traps air and can help insulate any space.
Some attractively-designed cellular blinds have additional insulation benefits and can help householders to save on heating and cooling costs.
The way a cellular blind is made can vary, but typically each cell consists of multiple layers of fabric which trap air in them. This creates a barrier of insulation between the window and the inside of the house, reducing heat transmission into and out of the room.
Depending on the type of cellular blinds you choose, they can provide an insulation value between R-3.3 and R-5.5.
Cellular blinds also provide excellent light control, allowing you to essentially ‘double-up’ your insulation and light control. This is particularly beneficial in hot climates as well as rooms that are adjacent to the sun being direct for long amounts of time.
With their light-blocking ability, cellular blinds will work alongside your existing home insulation to help you save money on heating and cooling costs year-round.
Do cellular shades actually insulate?
Yes, cellular shades actually do insulate a home. The unique design of cellular shades creates air pockets between the shade material and window that can help keep a home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Additionally, cellular shades are usually made from materials like polyester and cotton, which are efficient at blocking natural light and trapping air in the honeycomb shape along the edges. This configuration allows cellular shades to help maintain comfortable temperatures in any season.
Cellular shades can also be made from insulating materials such as thermal-backed fabrics that include insulation to help keep the heat out of a home during warmer months. By installing cellular shades with insulation in the fabric, you can increase the insulation value of your windows and reduce the cost of your energy bill.
What is the R-value of honeycomb blinds?
The R-value of honeycomb blinds is largely determined by the type of material they are made out of. The most common material used in honeycomb blinds is polyester, which has an R-value of 2.6 – 2.7. If honeycomb blinds are made from other materials such as vinyl, metal, or wood, the R-value ranges from 0.5 to 2.
5, depending on the quality and specific product. The thickness of the material also plays a role in determining the R-value. Generally speaking, thicker materials have higher R-values, and thinner materials have lower R-values.
One way to increase the R-value of your honeycomb blinds is to add a layer of insulation. Insulating honeycomb blinds helps to reduce heat loss from the window, thereby increasing the overall R-value of the blinds.
It is important to note that while insulation can help to increase the R-value of your honeycomb blinds, it cannot replace proper construction and material selection.
Regardless of the type of material used, or the presence of insulation, honeycomb blinds will typically have an R-value of between 0.5 – 2.7. However, with the right product selection and construction techniques it is possible to increase this R-value and make your blinds more thermally efficient.
Which cellular shades are for insulation?
Cellular shades, which are also known as honeycomb shades, are the most popular window treatments for insulation. This type of shade works by trapping air in their honeycomb-shaped cells, which acts as an effective insulator–keeping the heat out during the summer and in during the winter.
While all cellular shades have some insulation capabilities, there are certain features that can make them even more effective.
Look for cellular shades that are thicker and denser, as these will provide more insulation. Choose shades that are made from fabrics like polyester or cotton–the heavier the better. Look for shades with double- or triple-cell construction, as the multiple layers of air cells create added insulation.
Some cellular shades even include cell-within-a-cell construction, creating small pockets of air that are even more effective at trapping the cool or warm air. You can also choose energy-efficient cell shades with a light-blocking backing to minimize heat loss even further.
Cellular shades with blackout linings are another great choice for insulation, as they completely prevent stray light and air from entering through the window. They provide optimal insulation, even in extreme conditions, to help improve energy efficiency and regulate temperature.
Which blinds give the most insulation?
Cellular or honeycomb blinds are a great choice for insulation, as their unique pocket designs trap air, acting as a barrier and providing extra insulation in both the summer and winter. Insulated Roman shades are also effective thermally, again due to their pockets that catch the air and their additional layer of fabric.
Roller shades can also provide some insulation, especially when layered with a blackout liner, or combined with additional blind treatments for a dual shade system. For shutters, heavier wood or faux wood materials are much better at insulating than lighter and less expensive materials, like PVC or vinyl.
No matter which type of blinds you choose, look for blackout linings, as this will provide extra insulation and keep the cold out.
Do light filtering shades provide insulation?
No, light filtering shades do not provide insulation. Light filtering shades are designed to filter in natural light while still maintaining a degree of privacy and reducing glare. Low-emissivity (Low-E) windows and energy-efficient drapes or blinds are much better options if you are looking for ways to keep the heat out and improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Low-E windows are specifically designed to help block UV rays and reduce energy transfer as they are coated with a thin layer of metal or metallic oxide. This helps keep your home’s interior cool while still allowing sunlight to come in.
Energy-efficient drapes and blinds, on the other hand, act as another layer of insulation to help keep the heat in or out, depending on the climate.
Do blackout cellular shades block more heat than light filtering?
Yes, blackout cellular shades are designed to block more heat than light filtering shades. Unlike light filtering shades, which only block out a portion of light and reduce glare, a blackout shade blocks all light and also provides insulation to keep heat in or out of the room.
Blackout shades are made with a special back-coating that reflects any light that enters the room, providing superior insulation compared to light filtering shades. This makes blackout shades a good choice for blocking out summer heat, as well as for providing a darker, more restful sleep environment in the bedroom.
Blackout cellular shades are also the best choice for home theater use, as they provide a completely dark room for watching movies and enjoying other media.
Do blinds keep heat in?
Yes, blinds can help keep heat in, depending on the type of blinds you have. The thicker the material of the blinds, the better they will be at keeping the heat in. Darker colors are better for keeping in the heat too, because they absorb more.
Blinds with a light-blocking liner help keep the sun’s rays out, decreasing rising temperatures from the sun. Some blinds also have insulation backings which increases the thermal resistance, meaning the interior will stay warmer for longer.
When the blinds are fully closed, the extra layers of material help to insulate the space and keep the heat inside. Layering curtains on your windows will also help to keep the heat in, as they create an extra barrier between the room and the outside.
So, if you are looking to keep your room warm, consider adding thicker blinds with a light blocking liner to improve the thermal resistance of your windows and help keep the heat inside.
Do honeycomb blinds keep cold out?
Yes, honeycomb blinds can help keep cold air out. The air pockets located within the honeycomb cells provide a layer of insulation that helps slow down the transfer of heat from one side of the blind to the other.
This helps keep the interior of your home warmer, even if it’s cold outside. Additionally, the cellular construction of these blinds can also help reduce air leakage and sound transmission, which can further help to keep your house warm and insulated.
For optimal results, however, you should also consider adding window treatments such as draperies, which can further help increase insulation and reduce energy loss. Over time, these measures can also help lower your monthly energy bills.
What is the difference between honeycomb and cellular shades?
Honeycomb shades and cellular shades are both composed of multiple cells that form a honeycomb shape. These shades provide insulating benefits to help keep the heat out in the warmer months, and the warmth in during the cooler months.
The primary difference between honeycomb and cellular shades is the size and depth of the individual cells. Honeycomb shades typically have large, shallow cells that provide a contemporary look. These shades are a great choice for rooms that don’t require a lot of insulation, such as living rooms and bedrooms.
Cellular shades have smaller, deeper cells that can provide more insulation. They also tend to provide more light control and privacy, making them great choices for bathrooms and dens. Both types of shades can be opened and closed with a cordless or cord lift system, which makes them both safe and easy to use.
What blinds are to keep cold out?
Insulated blinds are one of the best types of blinds to keep cold out. These blinds are made with multiple layers of insulation material to block out cold air and help maintain a warm temperature indoors.
They often have a heavy, thick vinyl-like material on one side and a reflective material on the other side that reflects heat back into the room. Additionally, they come with air pockets between the layers of fabric that help to block out the majority of the cold air.
Other options include cellular shades, which come with an insulated honeycomb design to provide an extra layer of insulation against cold air seeping in. Cordless blinds are also a great choice, as cords can act as a channel for cold air to enter.
Finally, wooden blinds can also be insulated for additional energy efficiency.
Are honeycomb blinds better than thermal curtains?
Whether honeycomb blinds or thermal curtains are better ultimately depends on individual preference and specific needs. Both styles offer a variety of benefits, so it can be helpful to weigh your options.
Honeycomb blinds benefit from an added layer of insulation thanks to the honeycomb core. This can help keep your home temperate during the summer by reflecting heat, and can save you money on your energy bills.
In addition, the built-in insulation layer helps create a sound barrier, which can help reduce outside noise. Honeycomb blinds come in a variety of styles and sizes, so they are often a great choice for customizing a space.
One potential downside to honeycomb blinds is that they are more expensive upfront than some other window treatments.
Thermal curtains help to reduce energy waste and increase insulation, much like honeycomb blinds. They are not as good at creating a sound barrier, but many thermal curtains are decorated in beautiful styles and colors, making them a great choice for fashion and style.
Thermal curtains may also be less expensive upfront than honeycomb blinds, although the energy savings you get from honeycomb blinds may help offset the upfront price.
The choice between honeycomb blinds and thermal curtains ultimately boils down to individual preference and needs. If you are looking for a cost effective way to insulate and reduce noise, honeycomb blinds may be a great fit.
If you are looking for stylish and low-cost window coverings, thermal curtains could be a good option.
How much do honeycomb blinds insulate?
Honeycomb blinds are a popular window treatment choice, especially as they provide great insulation. They are often referred to as “cellular” or “pleated” blinds, and they are constructed of two layers, which form the unique honeycomb design when viewed from the side.
The shades are held together by a row of connector cords, and the edges of the shade are bound with fabric.
This type of window treatment offers superior insulation, thanks to its unique construction and design. When lowered, the two layers of material trap air inside the honeycomb, providing an extra layer of insulation from temperature changes outside.
This helps to keep your home cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter, which in turn, saves on energy costs. Studies show that these types of blinds can offer an R-value of up to 2.5, which is quite impressive.
In addition to offering great insulation, the structure of these blinds also gives you excellent light control, as well as privacy. You can choose between a variety of different fabrics, such as semi-opaque, blackout and room darkening, in order to get just the right level of coverage.
The fabrics are also available in a variety of textures and colors, giving you plenty of choices.
Overall, honeycomb blinds are an excellent choice as they offer superior insulation and light control, while also providing a energy savings.