The blinds in a house can play many important roles. Not only do they provide privacy, but they also reduce noise and distractions from the outside. They even make a stylish statement when the custom blinds are designed to complement the home’s interior. That’s not the only reason that homeowners continue to install blinds in their homes, however.
One of the best benefits that homes stand to gain from custom blinds is increased energy efficiency. In fact, the amount of savings they can deliver on heating and cooling costs can often pay for the cost of installing custom blinds. This might sound too good to be true, but this guide explains it all. Keep reading to learn more about how custom blinds can increase a home’s energy efficiency.
The short version: Well-fitted blinds act like an extra layer of insulation. They hold heat in during winter, block unwanted heat in summer, and give you day-to-day control over light and temperature. Better fit means better savings, which is where custom sizing earns its keep.
Effects of Energy-Efficient Blinds
Not all blinds are equally energy efficient. Some may provide more benefits than others. However, the fact remains that any home with blinds is going to be more energy efficient than a home without them. The following are just a few ways that blinds can make a home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool.
If you want to go deeper on the topic, our guide to energy-efficient blinds and shades breaks down which materials and constructions do the most work.
Increased Insulation in Winter Months
Layered blinds trap a pocket of air at the window, helping hold warmth inside on cold Illinois days.
During the winter months, a home’s heating system has to work hard to maintain a comfortable climate. It has to work even harder if the house doesn’t have blinds because the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25% of a home’s annual heating costs are due to air leakage through windows. This can be due to poor seals or simply a lack of insulation with the glass itself.
When homeowners choose to install custom blinds designed for energy efficiency, they can add an extra layer of insulation that effectively holds the heat inside the house. As a result, the room will feel warmer, and the heater won’t have to work as hard.
Dispel Heat During Summer Months
Custom blinds are equally important in the summer months. During times when outdoor temperatures are hotter than indoors, blinds can help to keep a home cooler. They are effective in dispelling heat because they are able to filter much of the UV rays that enter a home. In addition, they can store heat and maximize a home’s cooling properties to keep things comfortable even when it’s scorching outside.
These custom blinds become even more important to homes in the Midwest, where temperature contrasts are so high. They allow the house to adjust to the hot summers and freezing Illinois winters. Homeowners looking for warm-weather tactics can pick up more ideas in our tips on keeping your home cooler with custom blind solutions, and folks around custom blinds in Edwardsville deal with those swings every single year.
More Control Over Light
Adjustable blinds let you dial in the exact amount of sunlight, warming a room when you want it and shading it when you don’t.
When a homeowner chooses blinds over other window treatments, they have the opportunity to control the light and temperature more easily. The blinds can be opened to allow sunlight in when the house needs help warming up, or they can be closed when the sun is making it too hot inside.
The blinds can be opened or closed throughout the day to make adjustments based on the weather and sunlight. Some blind styles also allow homeowners to partially open the blinds so that some sunlight comes in. However, it can still protect against extreme temperatures.
Custom Measurements Deliver Better Fit
While blinds are usually cheaper and easier to buy from big box stores, they don’t fit as well as custom blinds. As a result, more heat escapes or more sunlight filters into heat the home. When homeowners invest in custom-fit blinds, they can ensure optimal efficiency and give their windows the best coverage available.
Best Designs for Custom Blinds to Improve Efficiency
It’s important for homeowners to understand that not all blinds deliver the same energy efficiency. Some designs are much more efficient than others, so it’s important that homeowners discuss their efficiency goals with the designer to select the right style for their home. The following are just a few examples of some of the most efficient custom blinds for homes in Edwardsville:
- Honeycomb or Cellular
- Vertical Blinds
- Shutter Style Blinds
- Wood Blinds
- Metal Blinds
Here is a quick look at how those styles tend to stack up when energy efficiency is the goal:
| Blind Style | Insulation Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Honeycomb / Cellular | Highest | Trapping air, year-round temperature control |
| Shutter Style | High | A solid barrier with a classic look |
| Wood | Moderate to High | Natural insulation plus warmth and style |
| Vertical | Moderate | Large windows and sliding doors |
| Metal | Moderate | Light control and easy maintenance |
Honeycomb shades usually top the list because their pockets trap air right at the glass, and you can see that principle at work in our honeycomb shades project in Edwardsville, IL. If roller shades are more your style, our breakdown of whether roller shades are energy efficient is worth a read before you decide.
Discover More About How Custom Blinds Can Improve a Home’s Energy Efficiency
Homeowners who are interested in finding out more about how they can improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy bill should contact BlindQuest right away. Their talented designers know all about the different products available, so they can help customers choose the best option for their budget, taste, and efficiency needs.
Customers can call to schedule a design consultation in their homes, or they can ask questions over the phone. BlindQuest also offers appointments to visit their showroom for more inspiration, so customers should reach out right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blinds really lower energy bills?
Yes. Blinds add a barrier between your glass and your living space, which slows heat transfer in both directions. Less heat lost in winter and less heat gained in summer means your HVAC system runs less often, and that shows up on the bill.
Which blinds are the most energy efficient?
Honeycomb or cellular shades tend to lead the pack because their cells trap a layer of air at the window. Shutters and wood blinds also perform well thanks to their solid construction.
Are custom blinds worth it over store-bought ones?
For efficiency, they usually are. A precise fit closes the gaps where air and sunlight sneak through, so a custom blind covers the window far better than a stock size that is close but not exact.
Should I close my blinds during the day in summer?
On hot, sunny days, closing blinds on sun-facing windows keeps rooms noticeably cooler. In winter, do the opposite on sunny days and let that free warmth in, then close them at night to hold heat.
Ready to make your windows work harder?
Our team will help you match the right energy-efficient blinds to your home, your budget, and those wild Illinois seasons.
