Energy Efficient Honeycomb Shades

With an average low of 18 degrees in January and an average high of 87 degrees in July, Billings Montana definitely has some extreme temperatures throughout the year. And considering up to 50% of your home’s energy literally goes out the windows, it is important to reduce this loss as much as possible. Hunter Douglas honeycomb shades are a beautiful way to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

How They Work

Also called cellular blinds, honeycomb shades get their name from their design. Viewed from the side, the cells that make up each shade look like honeycombs. It is this unique shape that makes them one of the most energy-efficient window treatments available. Heat from the summer sun and winter’s frigid air that penetrate your windows become trapped in the cellular shades, keeping your home at a more even temperature throughout the year without turning down the air-conditioning or turning up the heat.

Types of Honeycomb Shades in Billings, Montana

Duette® – This is the original line of honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas. They are available in a single or double honeycomb design, with the single being a bit less bulky and the double increasing your energy efficiency. Both are available in different cell sizes and in a variety of colors.

Architella® – Architella allows you to have the streamlined look of a single honeycomb shade with increased energy efficiency. Up to six layers of material can be inserted into one cell, which equals five places for hot summer or cold winter air to get trapped instead of entering your home.
Applause® – This line of cellular shades gives you the option of double or triple layers of cells, which increases energy efficiency dramatically. These extra layers of fabric also reduce noise from the outside and improve the acoustics of your room. Applause shades are available in Venue™ fabrics that inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Vertical Blinds – Honeycomb shades aren’t only used on single or double-hung windows. They can also be installed vertically on sliding glass doors, one of the worst offenders when it comes to wasting energy.

Automation and Energy Efficiency

Honeycomb shades are one of numerous window treatment lines that can be motorized. While the benefits of using motorized window treatments are obvious when it comes to hard-to-reach windows, they can actually help increase energy efficiency as well. Automated honeycomb shades can be set in the summer to close as the sun rises and open when the sun sets, blocking out unwanted heat and UV rays when the sun is at it brightest. The reverse can be done in the winter to take advantage of the warmth of the sun during the day and block out the chill of night. With the PowerView app, these adjustments can be made even when you aren’t home.

If you are ready to take advantage of the energy efficiency of honeycomb blinds but don’t know where to start, call Murray Floor & Window Coverings at (406) 373-0055. We will be happy to show you samples in our Billings, Montana design center or meet you in your home.