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Window Treatment Insulation for Warm Weather

One might associate insulation with warmth, but people who live near Jupiter, Florida, aren’t usually worried about wearing down jackets or shoveling snow. But that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from some extra insulation.

A living room equipped with white Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades and gray furniture near Jupiter, FL

Window treatment insulation can also help keep the heat out, making your home cooler and more comfortable even during the hottest day. It isn’t about heavy, lined woolen or velvet curtains, though – modern materials and fabrics can do the job in style. Our Custom Window Decor of Jupiter team understands how this works and is glad to explain the best options for your home’s specific needs.

Insulation 101: Understanding R-Value

Like insulation in attics, specific window treatments are assessed with R-values. This rating shows how well the product keeps the heat inside a building and its ability to prevent heat from getting inside – higher numbers mean more insulation and energy efficiency. This is a big deal, especially when you are running the air conditioner or heat. And as you can well imagine, window treatments have different R-values depending on their material and construction.

The Big Three: Cellular Shades, Vinyl Shutters, Roller Shades

Besides regulating temperature and lowering energy bills, insulated windows absorb sound and keep your home quieter. They’re easy to install and require little maintenance. But that’s not all – they can also increase your home’s value simultaneously. These are the three most insulating window coverings that we offer.

1. Cellular Shades Provide the Best Insulation

Cellular or honeycomb shades have R-values from 3.25 to 5.0, the highest of all window treatments. They are designed with air pockets that open up when the shade lowers. These cells reduce heat conduction and save energy. The U.S. Department of Energy posts that cellular shades reduce unwanted heat by as much as 60 percent when the AC is on. That can translate to paying 10% less on your energy bill. Ask about our full line of Duette® Cellular Shades; they come in over 150 color and fabric combinations.

2. Vinyl Shutters

Shutters are a popular Florida window treatment and have decent R-values. We recommend Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters because this material stands up to heat and humidity better than wood. It also has a higher R-value – on average, 3.17 compared to wood’s 2.77. Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ is also water- and UV-resistant and comes in pale, neutral colors.

3. Roller Shades

These window coverings have R-values from about 1.3 to 1.8 and come in various colors and fabrics. That R-value is on the lower end, but you can keep out more light by choosing room-darkening materials. We carry Sonnette® Roller Shades, which feature an insulating cellular design in different fabric opacities.

Window Treatment Insulation + Room Darkening Shades

Darker rooms tend to feel cooler, so many of our clients opt for room-darkening materials to provide even more insulation from the heat. While sheer fabrics filter sunlight, semi-opaque ones block some of the rays. Opaque fabrics block out most of the light, but some still come through. Blackout shades are the best choice for complete light blocking; these work well for people who need darkness to sleep well.

Custom Window Decor of Jupiter Can Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Window treatment insulation is just as important for homes in warmer climates, like North Palm Beach County, Jupiter, Tequesta, Palm Beach Gardens, and North Palm Beach, FL. Custom Window Decor of Jupiter is a Centurion Priority dealer, and we carry a selection of Hunter Douglas products that will keep your home comfortable in any type of weather. We look forward to explaining all the energy-efficient options at an in-person consultation. Contact us for an appointment or visit our Jupiter, Florida, showroom to see what we have in store.