Understanding Energy Cost Saving
and Side Tracks Significant Benefits
Energy Efficiency Chart for Cellular Shades
R-Value Single Pane
R-Value Double Pane
Shading Coefficient
UV LIght Transmission
Visible Light Transmission
Cellular Shades
EcoSmart
3.7
4.6
0.38
1%
11%
Metro Flame Resistant
3.3
4.3
0.27
<1%
NA
Room Darkening*
4
5
0.35
0.01%
3%
Baritone
2.5
3.5
0.44
NA
NA
Virtuoso
2.4
3.4
0.44
1%
15%
*Based on statistical reported values of equivalent products with the same
construction.
Single Pane - a single thickness of glass in a window or door; found in half of America's homes.
Double Pane - two panes of glass, separated by an air space (sometimes gas-filled) to improve insulation against heat transfer, found in most new houses
EcoSmart, Metro, Room Darkening, Baritone, Virtuoso and Fanfare are EnergySmart insulating cellular fabrics. EnergySmart insulating cellular fabrics can aid in keeping homes more comfortable year round while helping to reduce energy costs.
A Quick Guide to Window Treatment Energy Saving Effectiveness
Two numerical values can help you easily compare the relative energy saving strengths of any window treatment are their R-Value
and Shading Coefficient.
R-Value is primarily used as a measure of comfort in winter and indicates a fabric's ability to reduce the flow of heat through it. The higher the R-value, the better its resistance to heat loss or gain. A double honeycomb cellular shade (like our EcoSmart line) with its high R-value has superb insulating values which can result in substantial energy savings, year after year.
Shading Coefficient
is important in hot weather and indicates a fabric's ability to reduce heat flow from the outside through a window shade to inside your home. A shading coefficient of 0.35 means 65% of the heat stays outside. On a hot day, heat coming in through your windows can raise room temperature by 15-20 degrees and make your air conditioning work two to three times harder. A lower shading coefficient translates into less heat gain, more reflected heat, and lower cooling costs for you.
Two
other comfort-factors you might want to consider when selecting your shades or blinds:
Light Transmission, UV - Although, not visible to the human eye, ultraviolet light from the sun can fade wood floors, carpets, and furniture after prolonged exposure. UV blockage ratings measure a fabric's ability to keep these harmful rays from passing though the shade.
Light Transmission, Visible
- A measure of the amount of light passing through a shade that you can see. The lower the value, the more "room darkening" the shade will be, and less likely that light will pass through it.
Insulating Shades for Energy Savings Made in USA
EcoSmart Shades 4 Laurette Dr. - Essex Junction, VT 05452 1-877-966-3678