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R-Value and Energy Conserving Window Coverings
R-Value is important to window coverings and energy savings. R-value is assigned to any building materials and is used to tell the amount of heat the window covering resists. The higher the number, the better job the window treatment does in insulating your windows. Typical R-value ranges from 0.9 to 3.0.
On a typical home, windows account for nearly 50% of the heat gain or loss depending on the season. That means 50% of the work your air conditioning or heating unit does is from energy loss through your windows. Proper coverage of your windows with window blinds or window shades can reduce your energy bills.
Three factors control the energy loss through your windows. The material of the windows, the size of the windows, and the window coverings.
Window Materials
Advances in the technology of windows have made them more energy efficient. Windows made with low-e glass and dual pane windows will better insulate than those with single pane windows will. Double paned windows with the low-e glaze are 35% more energy efficient than untreated double-paned windows.
Window Square Footage
Since windows account for about 50% of the homes energy loss and they typically are only 18% of the overall house, most of the heat transfer is through the windows. The amount of energy loss is directly proportional to the amount and size of the windows.
Window Coverings
Not all window coverings are created equal when talking about r-values and energy savings. Typical
horizontal blinds have an average R-value of 2.5 while honeycomb shades are better insulators and have an R-value between 3.25 to 5.0. By increasing the R-value of your window coverings, you can decrease your energy bills.
Window coverings can be the greatest investment for energy savings. Energy efficient shades can also protect your furniture, art, wood flooring as well as your carpet from damaging UV rays. Browse our website for a complete list of our
energy efficient shades.
Call Aloha Blinds & Designs® now for your complimentary, in-home consultation on how to improve the energy efficiency in your home or office and enhance and beautify at the same time!
Call 541.317.4684 
Specifications
When selecting an energy efficient window treatment, primary importance should be given to its R-factor (resistance to heat/air conditioning) loss of transfer.
The following table gives general ratings for different window covering materials. The higher the R factor, the better the resistance to heat and air conditioning loss.
| Window
Treatments |
1 layer glass
at R value = .89 |
2 layers of glass
at R value= .81 |
| Aluminum blinds |
1.20 |
3.01 |
| Pleated shades (varies by fabric) |
1.20 to 1.30 |
3.01 to 3.11 |
| Vertical blinds (varies by material - freehanging
fabrics will insulate less than solid vinyls or fabrics with vinyl
groovers) |
1.0 to 3.0 |
2.81 to 4.81 |
| Cellular shades (varies by fabric and number of
cells- dual or triple celled shades will insulate more than single celled shades) |
1.34 to 3.0+ |
3.15 to 4.81+ |
| Wood blinds |
1.4 |
3.2 |
| Louvered shutters |
1.5 |
3.4 |
The region’s premier provider of custom window and door coverings.
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of your
home or business like custom window coverings
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ALOHA BLINDS & DESIGNS, INC.® All rights reserved.
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