Properly selected window treatments reduce the energy load your windows create — cutting heating costs in winter, cooling costs in summer, and UV damage to interior furnishings year-round. Bloomin’ Blinds recommends by window orientation and room function, not by product category.
Direct Answer
Energy efficient window treatments are window coverings selected specifically to reduce heat transfer, solar heat gain, and energy loss through windows. The most effective options include cellular shades for interior insulation, exterior motorized shades for blocking solar heat gain, and thermal-lined draperies for combined insulation and light control.
Expanded Detail
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for 25–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Energy efficient window treatments address this in two distinct ways: interior treatments (cellular shades, insulating shutters, thermal-lined draperies) slow conductive heat transfer between the glass and the room. Exterior treatments (motorized shade screens, awnings) prevent solar radiation from reaching the glass in the first place. Both approaches are valid and often complementary — the right recommendation depends on whether the primary concern is heat loss (winter, northern exposures) or heat gain (summer, south/west exposures). Bloomin’ Blinds consultants assess window-by-window rather than applying a blanket solution.
Direct Answer:
Depends on the window’s primary energy problem.
Expanded Detail:
For heat loss (winter, northern exposures): double or triple-cell cellular shades. For heat gain (summer, south/west exposures): exterior motorized shades or awnings. For both: a layered approach with cellular shades inside and exterior shading outside.
Direct Answer:
Some may — confirm with a tax professional.
Expanded Detail:
Certain energy efficient window treatments may qualify for residential energy efficiency tax credits, depending on the specific product and current tax code. Bloomin’ Blinds recommends consulting a tax professional for guidance on current eligibility.
Direct Answer:
Somewhat — they reduce drafts and provide an insulating air gap.
Expanded Detail:
Shutters create a dead air space between the louver and the glass that slows heat transfer. They’re not the highest-performing thermal treatment, but they contribute positively to energy efficiency — particularly in drafty older homes.
Direct Answer:
By reducing solar heat gain through the glass.
Expanded Detail:
Solar shades use an open-weave fabric that blocks UV and reduces direct solar radiation through the glass — lowering heat gain without fully blocking daylight. The energy savings come primarily from reduced air conditioning load on south- and west-facing windows.
Direct Answer:
Interior cellular shades plus exterior shading where applicable.
Expanded Detail:
Single-pane windows provide very little thermal resistance. Interior cellular shades (double or triple-cell) create an insulating air barrier at the window that compensates for the glass’s poor thermal performance. On exposures with direct sun, adding exterior shading provides additional benefit.
