Calculate Energy Savings with Blinds Chalet Window Shades.
View our Energy Efficient Shades.
View our GreenGuard certified blinds and shades.
How the Estimate Works
The calculator uses your home's square footage to estimate your window area and typical heating and cooling costs, then applies expected savings for different types of window treatments.
Your actual savings will depend on your climate, which direction your windows face, the type and age of your windows, your energy rates, and how you use your shades day to day. Treat the result as a starting point for comparing options, not a guarantee.
Why Windows Matter for Energy Use
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. In summer, sunlight through the glass heats up your rooms. In winter, warm indoor air loses heat through the glass and around the window frame.
Window treatments add a layer between the glass and the room. Depending on the product, that layer can slow heat transfer, block incoming solar heat, and reduce drafts around the window.
What the Research Shows
Independent research supports real savings from well-chosen, well-used window treatments:
- Cooling: Research summarized by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Building America Solution Center found whole-home summertime cooling savings of 15% to 25% from the optimized use of high-efficiency interior and exterior shades.
- Heating: The same research found wintertime heating savings of about 12% to 14%.
- Cellular shades: The Department of Energy has reported that cellular shades can reduce heating energy needs by almost 25%.
These results come from high-performance products that are used actively, closed at the right times, and fit well. Savings in your home may be higher or lower.
How Window Treatments Save Energy
Window treatments improve energy performance in three main ways:
- Insulation: Trapped air slows heat moving through the window. This matters most in cold weather. Honeycomb cellular shades are designed around this, with air pockets inside each cell.
- Solar heat control: Blocking or reflecting sunlight before it heats the room matters most on hot, sunny windows. Solar screen shades, blackout fabrics, and light-colored backings facing the glass help here.
- Air leakage: A close fit around the window reduces the drafts and air movement that carry heat in or out. Side channels and outside mounts with overlap improve coverage at the edges.
For a deeper explanation, see our energy efficient window treatments guide.
Which Window Treatments Save the Most?
| Window Treatment | Winter (Heat Loss) | Summer (Heat Gain) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular shades | Excellent | Very good | Year-round savings, cold climates |
| Cellular shades with side channels | Excellent | Excellent | Drafty windows, maximum performance |
| Solar screen shades | Limited | Very good | Hot, sunny, east- and west-facing windows |
| Blackout roller or Roman shades | Good | Good | Bedrooms and media rooms |
| Wood and faux wood blinds | Fair | Good when closed | Adjustable light and heat control |
Ratings are general comparisons. Performance varies by fabric, cell size, color, and fit. Shop all energy efficient shades and blinds or our insulating window treatments.
How to Get the Most Savings
- Close shades on sunny summer windows, especially east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon. See our guide to the best window treatments for west-facing windows.
- Open south-facing shades on winter days to let the sun warm the room, then close them at night to hold the heat in.
- Choose a close fit. Gaps at the sides and top let heat move around the shade. Side channels or an outside mount with overlap improve coverage.
- Pick the right fabric for your climate. Double-cell and blackout fabrics insulate more. Light-colored or reflective backings facing the glass help reject summer heat.
- Automate it. Savings depend on closing shades at the right time. Motorized shades can open and close on a schedule, even when you're not home.
- Look for AERC ratings. The Attachments Energy Rating Council certifies window attachments such as cellular shades, roller shades, and blinds with separate Warm Climate and Cool Climate ratings. Higher numbers mean better performance.
Energy Savings Guides by Climate and Need
Energy Savings FAQs
How accurate is the energy savings calculator?
The calculator gives a general estimate based on your home's size and typical assumptions. Your actual savings depend on your climate, window direction, window type, energy rates, and how often you open and close your shades. Use it to compare options, not as a guarantee.
How much can window treatments save on energy?
Research summarized by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found whole-home cooling savings of 15% to 25% and heating savings of about 12% to 14% from the optimized use of high-efficiency shades. Results depend on the product, fit, and how the shades are used.
Do window treatments save more energy in summer or winter?
They help in both seasons in different ways. In summer, they block solar heat before it warms the room. In winter, insulating products like cellular shades slow heat loss through the glass. Research has found somewhat larger savings on cooling than heating.
Which windows should I cover first to save the most energy?
Start with the windows that get the most direct sun, usually west- and east-facing windows, along with large windows and patio doors. In cold climates, prioritize north-facing and drafty windows that lose the most heat.
What is an AERC rating?
The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) is an independent organization that rates the energy performance of window attachments like cellular shades, roller shades, and blinds. Products receive a Warm Climate rating for blocking heat gain and a Cool Climate rating for reducing heat loss. Higher numbers mean better performance.
Are there rebates for energy efficient window coverings?
Most energy incentives focus on windows, insulation, and heating and cooling systems rather than window coverings. Some utilities offer rebates for rated cellular shades, so check with your local utility for current programs in your area.
Ready to start saving? Shop our energy efficient shades and blinds, order free samples, or contact our design team for help choosing the right option for each room.
