At AIM we know how important it is to choose the right window treatments for your home. Honeycomb blinds (also known as cellular shades) have become popular for their energy efficiency and style. But are honeycomb blinds more energy efficient? Let’s find out their benefits, functionality and why they might be perfect for your rooms.

Saving with Honeycomb Blinds

Let’s look at the research.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Study

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) along with other companies studied the energy impact of different types of cellular shades and vinyl blinds. This study was conducted in a home in Knoxville, TN from December 2019 to May 2020. They wanted to see how well these blinds would save energy in real world conditions.

How the Study Was Done

The study tested different blinds in a 2,380 sqft home. Researchers created a model to see how cellular shades would perform in 15 different climate zones. They compared energy savings of homes with cellular shades to homes with no window treatments.

Results

The study found:

• • Better Heating Energy Savings: Cellular shades saved more heating energy than regular vinyl Venetian blinds. So honeycomb blinds keep your home warmer in winter.

• • Big Energy Savings: Homes with cellular shades saved up to 20% on heating and up to 15% on total energy (heating and cooling) compared to homes with no shades. So honeycomb blinds mean big energy savings.

• • Reduced Heating System Load: In homes with heat pumps and gas furnaces, cellular shades saved up to 2.1 and 3.0 kBtu/ft²-year respectively. So your heating system doesn’t have to work as hard, which means lower energy bills.

Seasonal Performance

The study focused on heating season but more research is needed to see how they perform in cooling season. But it’s clear honeycomb blinds keep your home warm in winter.

Benefits

The ORNL study shows honeycomb blinds are a great way to save energy in your home. Use cellular shades and save on energy bills and be comfortable all year round.

More Benefits of Cellular Shades

Insulation

Insulated cellular shades have some of the highest R-values of any window treatment. Great for homes in extreme climates where indoor temperature stability is key.

Light Control

Cellular shades offer great light control. Let natural light in while providing privacy. Choose from light filtering and room darkening to control the amount of light that enters.

Temperature Consistency

By preventing heat loss in winter and reducing solar heat gain in summer, honeycomb blinds keep indoor temperatures consistent. This stability means you don’t have to constantly adjust your heating and cooling systems which means more efficient operation and lower energy use.

How Cellular Shades Work

Cellular shades are designed with pleated fabric that forms a series of air pockets, like a honeycomb when viewed from the side. This is the magic behind their insulating power. Here’s how they work:

The Honeycomb: The honeycomb structure of cellular shades creates multiple air pockets. These air pockets are insulators, trapping air inside and creating a barrier between the window and the room. This barrier is what stops heat transfer, the movement of heat through the window.

Insulating Barrier: In winter, cellular shades trap the hot air from your heating systems inside the room so it doesn’t escape through the windows. In summer, they block hot air from entering the room and keep the indoor temperature cool. This dual functionality makes cellular shades energy efficient all year round.

Tight Fit Cellular Shades: For cellular shades to work best, they need to be installed tightly within the window frame. This tight fit eliminates gaps where air can escape and enhances their insulating power. When installed correctly, cellular shades are great at blocking direct sunlight which is a big source of solar heat gain.

Which Cellular Shades are Right for You

AIM offers various styles of Cellular Shades:

• • Single Cell: For smaller windows and moderate climates, good insulation and light control.

• • Double Cell: For larger windows and colder climates, better insulation and energy efficiency.

Consider the cell size and the level of insulation you need for your rooms when choosing cellular shades.

Optional Features and Customization

Cellular shades have various optional features to add to their functionality and style:

• • Light Filtering: Available in different opacities to control the amount of light entering your room and reduce glare.

• • Room Darkening: For bedrooms and media rooms, maximum light blockage.

• • Motorized Systems: For hard to reach windows, remote operation.

• • Top-Down/Bottom-Up: Operate the shades from the top and bottom for maximum light control and privacy.

Summary

The ORNL study shows honeycomb blinds are a smart investment for energy efficiency. They stop heat transfer, trap air and save energy, so you save on your energy bills. At AIM, we have honeycomb blinds to suit your needs and help you create a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

FAQ: Are Honeycomb Blinds More Energy Efficient?

1. What makes honeycomb blinds energy efficient?

Honeycomb blinds (also known as cellular shades) have a honeycomb structure that creates air pockets. These air pockets trap air, insulate well and reduce heat transfer through the window. This design keeps indoor temperatures stable, so you don’t have to overheat and overcool.

2. How do honeycomb blinds save on energy bills?

By trapping air and reducing heat transfer, honeycomb blinds keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This reduces the load on your heating and cooling systems and your energy bills. Studies show cellular shades can save up to 20% on heating and up to 15% on total energy.

3. Are honeycomb blinds more energy efficient than other window treatments?

Yes, honeycomb blinds are more energy efficient than many other window treatments. Their honeycomb structure provides extra insulation, so they are better at reducing heat loss in winter and blocking solar heat gain in summer than traditional blinds or shades.

4. Do honeycomb blinds reduce solar heat gain?

Yes, honeycomb blinds reduce solar heat gain. Tightly installed cellular shades block and scatter incoming light, so the heat doesn’t enter your home. This is especially good for rooms that get direct sunlight.

5. Do honeycomb blinds work in all climates?

Honeycomb blinds are versatile and work in all climates. They insulate well in cold climates by reducing heat loss and in hot climates by blocking solar heat gain. For extreme climates, double cell shades offer more insulation and greater energy savings.