Do Cellular Shades Save Energy? Benefits, Efficiency & Cost Savings

Lexi Westingate | Blinds Chalet Design Team

Updated: Jun 9 2026

Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are widely considered one of the most energy-efficient window treatments available. Their unique honeycomb-shaped cells create insulating air pockets that help reduce heat transfer through windows, making it easier to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year.

While actual energy savings vary based on climate, window size, sun exposure, and home construction, cellular shades can help improve energy efficiency by reducing unwanted heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter.

Explore our collection of energy-efficient window treatments or use our window treatment energy savings calculator to estimate potential savings.

What Are Cellular Shades?

Cellular shades are fabric window shades constructed with pleated cells that resemble a honeycomb when viewed from the side. These cells trap air and create an insulating barrier between the window and the room.

Unlike many traditional blinds and shades, cellular shades are specifically designed to improve thermal performance while providing privacy and light control.

How Cellular Shades Help Save Energy

1. Insulating Air Pockets

The honeycomb-shaped cells trap air and help slow the transfer of heat through the window. This additional layer of insulation can improve comfort year-round.

2. Reduced Summer Heat Gain

During hot weather, cellular shades can help reduce the amount of solar heat entering through windows, which may reduce the workload on air conditioning systems.

This is especially beneficial in sunny climates such as Arizona where large windows can contribute significantly to indoor heat gain.

3. Reduced Winter Heat Loss

In colder climates, cellular shades help retain indoor warmth by reducing heat loss through glass. The insulating cells act as a buffer between the window and the living space.

4. Improved Overall Comfort

Even when utility savings are modest, many homeowners notice improved comfort near windows because cellular shades help reduce hot and cold spots.

Are Cellular Shades More Energy Efficient Than Other Window Treatments?

Cellular shades are often considered among the most energy-efficient window covering options because of their insulating design. Shop the top insulating window treatments.

Window Treatment	Energy Efficiency
Cellular Shades	Excellent
Solar Shades	Good
Roller Shades	Moderate
Wood Blinds	Moderate
Aluminum Blinds	Moderate
Shutters	Very Good

Learn more: Are blinds more energy efficient than shutters?

Single Cell vs Double Cell Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are available in both single-cell and double-cell designs.

Single Cell: One layer of insulating air pockets.

Double Cell: Two layers of insulating air pockets for increased thermal performance.

Double-cell shades generally provide greater insulation and may be preferred for extreme climates or windows with significant sun exposure.

Best Rooms for Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades

Living rooms with large windows

Bedrooms

Sunrooms

West-facing rooms

South-facing rooms

Home offices

Cellular Shades for Arizona Heat

Cellular shades are particularly popular in Arizona because they help reduce solar heat gain while maintaining privacy and light control. Their insulating design makes them one of the most effective shade styles for managing intense sunlight.

Learn more:Best window treatments for Arizona heat

Do Cellular Shades Help Lower Energy Bills?

Cellular shades may help reduce heating and cooling costs by improving insulation at the window. Actual savings depend on factors such as climate, window orientation, home insulation, and HVAC usage.

Homes with older windows or large glass areas often see the greatest benefit from improved window insulation.

Cellular Shades vs Solar Shades for Energy Efficiency

Both cellular shades and solar shades can improve comfort, but they work differently.

Cellular Shades: Focus on insulation and heat transfer reduction.

Solar Shades: Focus on glare reduction and solar heat management while maintaining views.

Homeowners concerned primarily with insulation often choose cellular shades, while those focused on preserving outdoor views frequently prefer solar shades.

Energy-Efficient Window Treatment Resources

Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Energy Savings Calculator

Energy Savings Information

Best Window Treatments for Cold Climates

Best Window Treatments for Arizona Heat

Energy vs Noise Reduction Window Shades

Energy Efficient Bamboo Shades

Final Thoughts

Cellular shades are one of the most energy-efficient window treatment options available because their honeycomb construction helps reduce heat transfer through windows. They can improve comfort, reduce solar heat gain, minimize winter heat loss, and potentially lower heating and cooling costs.

For homeowners seeking improved insulation and year-round comfort, cellular shades are often one of the best investments among modern window covering options.

Cellular Shades Energy Efficiency FAQs

Do cellular shades save energy?

Yes. Cellular shades help improve insulation by trapping air within their honeycomb cells, which can reduce heat transfer through windows.

Are cellular shades the most energy-efficient window treatment?

Cellular shades are often considered among the most energy-efficient window treatments because of their insulating honeycomb design.

Do double-cell cellular shades save more energy than single-cell shades?

Generally, double-cell cellular shades provide greater insulation because they contain two layers of air pockets.

Are cellular shades good for hot climates?

Yes. Cellular shades are popular in hot climates because they help reduce solar heat gain and improve indoor comfort.

Can cellular shades lower utility bills?

Cellular shades may help reduce heating and cooling costs by improving insulation at the window, though actual savings vary by home and climate.

Details	Standard	Guaranteed to Last	Guaranteed to Love
Pricing	FREE	$	$$
Warranty Duration
3 year limited warranty	✓	✓	✓
5 year limited warranty		✓	✓
Warranty Coverage
Defects	✓	✓	✓
Parts	✓	✓	✓
30 Day Returns(in-store credit)			✓

Details

Standard

Guaranteed to Last

Guaranteed to Love

Pricing

FREE

Warranty Duration

3 year limited warranty

✓

5 year limited warranty

✓

Warranty Coverage

Defects

✓

Parts

✓

30 Day Returns(in-store credit)

✓

Guarantee
What Is Covered Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that: The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated. All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed. Who Is Eligible This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable. Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement. Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty. What Is Not Covered Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect. Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance. Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture. Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use. Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects. Warranty Limitations This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms. Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure. How to Request Service Blinds Chalet Customer Care [email protected] (480) 470-1127 Please include: Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email A brief description of the issue The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product. If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired. In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade. Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer. If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

Guarantee

What Is Covered

Our window coverings are covered against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship when used as intended, provided that:

The product has been correctly measured, installed, and operated.
All Blinds Chalet guidelines regarding product limitations, maintenance, and care have been followed.

Who Is Eligible

This warranty applies solely to the original purchaser of the product and is non-transferable.

Blinds Chalet’s Responsibility

If a covered defect is confirmed, Blinds Chalet will, at its discretion, repair the product, replace affected parts, or provide a comparable replacement.

Costs not included: The customer is responsible for expenses related to shipping as well as any measuring, installation, removal, or reinstallation services. Labor charges, service visits, and similar costs are not covered by this warranty.

What Is Not Covered

Damage resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, or neglect.
Improper measurement, installation, cleaning, or maintenance.
Normal wear and tear, including fading, discoloration, or deterioration from sunlight or moisture.
Frayed cords, cord breakage, or reduced cord performance due to age or heavy use.

Fading and normal aging of materials are expected characteristics and are not considered defects.

Warranty Limitations

This warranty is exclusive and replaces any other expressed or implied warranties. No Blinds Chalet employee or representative is authorized to modify or extend these terms.

Blinds Chalet will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from product use or failure.

How to Request Service

Blinds Chalet Customer Care
[email protected]
(480) 470-1127

Please include:

Original proof of purchase, which can be your order number or purchase confirmation email
A brief description of the issue
The location of the window covering and clear photos or video of the issue

Resolution on Warranties and Guarantees

BlindsChalet.com reserves, at its discretion, the right to repair, replace or refund any blinds found defective. Limit 1 remake per covered product.
If there are multiple blinds/shades in the same room, only the defective product will be replaced/repaired.
In the event that a product, color or product feature has been discontinued and it is no longer available we will provide a substitute product as similar as possible to the original blind or shade.
Shipping for warranty issues is the responsibility of the customer to and from the repair facility. Packaging on return shipments is the responsibility of the customer.
If a product or component has been discontinued, Blinds Chalet will repair or replace the affected part with the closest available match in design and color.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Last

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.

5 Year Guaranteed to Love
Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years. 30 Day Returns If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

5 Year Guaranteed to Love

Standard limited warranty extended from 3 to 5 years.
30 Day Returns
If for any reason you are not satisfied with the window coverings and wish to return them for store credit, please notify us within 30 days of receiving the order. Our customer care department will provide a Return Goods Authorization number (RGA) and shipping address for the return. Please note, return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer and shipping labels are not provided. Returns are for store credit only and store credit will be available immediately after the items are received (Guaranteed to Love fee is not credited).

Do Cellular Shades Save Energy?