Cut Energy Costs with Cellular Shades

As energy costs increase, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to reduce their overall energy consumption and slash large heating and cooling bills. One of the easiest and effective ways to do this is by adding cellular shades to your windows.

Energy that is lost through windows can represent from 10% to 25% of your seasonal heating and cooling bills. During summer months, for example, sunny windows can make an air conditioner work two to three times harder than normal. Cellular shades -- one of the best insulating window treatments on the market -- can significantly reduce this energy loss, providing a fashionable way to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Cellular shades (or "honeycomb") get their name from their unique air-trapping "cells". These cells create an air barrier between the shade and the window, providing a cushion of insulation. If you're looking for maximum insulating value, double cell shades are also available, with twice as many chambers per blind and higher R-values.

As an added bonus, cellular shades also minimize the damaging effects of ultraviolet light on carpets and furniture, while bringing beauty and function to virtually any room of the home.