Green Window News

EcoSmart Insulating Shades

Cut 30% from Energy Bills Using EcoSmart Insulating Shades

Your company can save money on heating and cooling costs by using insulating shades. How much? Based on calculations from the prestigious University of California Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the savings can be substantial. For example $4,956 over the next 10 years for an average home in Washington, DC or $5,852 in Concord, NH.

Insulating Shades Offer Additional Protection

These numbers are based on a Light Filtering Shade with Energy Saving Sidetrack. Without the side track savings are reduced by 17%. These numbers prove that insulating shades are a worthwhile investment and solid solution to improve a home's energy efficiency.

A good insulating system protects a building from outside temperatures and protects it against air leaks. Windows are one of the greatest sources of wasted energy. The smallest gap or leak can equal as much airflow as an open window. In the winter, warm air from inside the building is trying to escape through windows. In summer, the sun conducts heat through the windows, contributing as much as 53% heat in the home. The installation of energy efficient window treatments is one of the best ways to conserve energy and reduce utility bills.

To be effective, window treatments must trap air between the shade or blind and the window glass. EcoSmart Insulating Cellular Shades act as a barrier to heat flow, trapping air between the shade and window and helping you to save money on energy costs. Adding the Energy Saving Side Track System can provide an additional barrier to seal the edges of drafty areas around windows.


1" mini
blinds

vertical blinds*

pleated shades

EcoSmart Shades
Double Cell

Energy Efficiency

3

3

4

8

R-Factor

2.3

2.3

2.5

4.6*

Cleanability

3

7

5

7

Durability

3

6

6

9

Ease in Operation

6

5

7

7

Light Control

8

8

6

8

Room Darkening

3

5

6

9

Overall Product Rating

4

6

6

8

 

 

CrystalPleatTM Facets

ApplauseTM

DuetteTM Classic

EcoSmart Light Filtering
Double Cell

R-Factor

3.3

3.5

3.5

4.6

Polyester Fabric

spun-laced

bonded

bonded

bonded

Color To Outside

white

white

white

white

Cord Lock Operation

outward pull

outward pull

outward pull

inward pull

Design Selection

3

4

6

8

Cord Lock

3

6

6

9

Maintenance

3

6

7

9

Ease of Repair

4

7

7

9

Bracket System

4

7

7

9

Durability

3

5

7

9

Overall Rating

3

6

7

9

 

* mid-price fabric
Evaluative Ratings (10 = perfect)

Applause and Duette are trademarks owned by Hunter Douglas, Light Filtering is a trademark owned by Comfortex, Inc, Crystalpleat is a trademark owned by Graber. Evaluative ratings are subjective. R-value ratings are actual published ratings.

*Shade Type

Single Glazed/
Single Paned

Thermal Glazed/ Double Paned

Uncovered

.9

1.9

Light Filtering Light Filtering Double Honeycomb

3.7

4.6

Room Darkening Room Darkening Double Honeycomb

4.0

5.0

Single Cell Light Filtering Shades

 

3.4

Insulating Shades