Cellular shades are made of fabric panels pleated to create cells resembling a honeycomb. These cellular shades trap air between the window and the shade. This trapped air creates a barrier that helps slow heat loss in the winter and reduces unwanted heat gain in the summer. Homeowners are always evaluating window treatments to see whether the energy savings justify the cost, and whether other factors, such as motorized blinds in Park City, UT, add enough value to make the upgrade worthwhile.
How Cellular Shades Work for Energy Efficiency
The air pockets create an insulating barrier, and some fabrics can also reflect UV and IR Radiation, creating an additional insulating barrier. Compared to other window treatments, such as blinds and curtains, cellular shades provide a much better insulating barrier. While curtains make up 19% of window treatments in the U.S. and blinds account for about 60%, motorized blinds in Park City, UT, create an even better barrier when treated with a low-emissivity coating.
Energy Savings: The Numbers
Windows, for better or worse, are the primary source of heat loss in the home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window attachments can reduce a household’s annual HVAC use by up to 15% compared with vinyl blinds. A separate study by ORNL found that window treatments such as cellular shades reduced heating energy use by up to 20% and combined heating and cooling energy use by up to 15% compared to bare windows. Most published research has focused on the Winter heating season, which is especially relevant for a cold mountain climate. Your payback time will depend on your home’s size, the number of windows, and the efficiency of your current windows. There is no universal payback time, so it’s best to get a local estimate.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Pricing can vary by brand, fabric, and size. A motorized cellular shade (the Serena by Lutron) can cost around $734, though pricing for motorized blinds in Park City, UT will depend on the window size and installation. Cellular shades are known for their durability and require little maintenance over their lifetime.
Additional Benefits Beyond Energy Savings
While the main selling point of cellular shades is, of course, their energy-saving capabilities, they also help reduce glare and provide privacy. They are available in a variety of opacities and colors to match different styles. Blinds in Park City, UT, that are motorized also integrate with a home’s smart systems and can be programmed to adjust based on comfort and efficiency.
Are They Worth It?
For homes in climates with long, cold winters, the return on investment (ROI) is there. For homes in warmer climates with fewer windows, the ROI may not be as quick. Either way, homes in Park City, UT, with motorized blinds can offer the convenience that homes with manual blinds can’t. To get a more accurate estimate for your home, you can request a quote and check for yourself.