Why Energy Efficiency Starts at Your Windows
Ottawa’s climate is one of the most demanding in Canada. Winter temperatures regularly plunge below −30°C, while summer highs can exceed 35°C with humidity. Natural Resources Canada estimates that windows account for up to 25 percent of a typical home’s total heat loss — and in older homes with single- or double-pane glass, that figure can be even higher.
The right window treatments act as a secondary insulation layer, reducing heat transfer and easing the burden on your HVAC system. Over time, this translates into measurable savings on your energy bills and a more comfortable home year-round.
Cellular Honeycomb Shades: The Gold Standard
Cellular shades are engineered specifically for energy efficiency. Their honeycomb structure traps air in discrete pockets, creating a barrier between the cold (or hot) window glass and your living space.
How Cell Count Affects Performance
- Single cell: Entry-level insulation; suitable for mild climates or interior windows.
- Double cell: Significantly improved R-value; the most popular choice for Ottawa homes.
- Triple cell (Duette Architella®): Maximum insulation with a honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design — ideal for older windows or rooms that face north and northwest.
Hunter Douglas Duette® and Applause® shades are both available in multiple cell sizes and opacities, from sheer to blackout. Alta Honeycomb Shades offer a value-focused alternative with comparable energy performance. Explore all honeycomb shade options at Randall’s.
Shutters: Permanent Insulation with Classic Style
Plantation shutters provide a solid, permanent barrier at the window that reduces drafts and adds thermal mass. For Ottawa’s humid summers and cold winters, polysatin shutters such as Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ resist warping and moisture damage better than wood. However, hardwood shutters like the Heritance® collection offer unmatched beauty for heritage homes. Learn about custom shutters.
Roman Shades and Drapery: Fabric-Based Insulation
Lined Roman shades and thermal-lined drapery add meaningful insulation, particularly when combined with a cellular shade underneath. This layered approach is popular in Ottawa’s heritage neighbourhoods. Heavier fabrics — velvet, wool blends, and thermal linings — perform best. Randall’s drapery consultants can help you select fabrics that balance aesthetics and insulation. See custom drapery options.
Roller and Solar Shades: Summer Heat Defence
While cellular shades excel at winter insulation, solar shades are specifically designed to block solar heat gain in summer. By rejecting up to 99 percent of UV rays and reducing glare, solar shades keep south- and west-facing rooms comfortable without sacrificing your view. Explore exterior and solar shade options.
Automation for Maximum Efficiency
Scheduled automation takes energy efficiency to the next level. With Hunter Douglas PowerView® or Alta Bliss™ systems, your window treatments can automatically adjust throughout the day — closing during peak sun hours to block heat, and opening when passive solar gain is beneficial in winter. Learn about smart window automation.
Tips for Maximizing Energy Savings
- Layer treatments: Combine a cellular shade with drapery for the highest insulation value.
- Cover all windows: Even one untreated window can significantly reduce the efficiency gains from the rest of the house.
- Consider orientation: North- and west-facing windows lose the most heat in winter; south- and west-facing windows gain the most heat in summer. Prioritize these windows first.
- Choose the right opacity: Room-darkening and blackout fabrics provide better insulation than light-filtering options.
Get a Personalized Energy Assessment
Every Ottawa home is different, and the most effective energy strategy depends on your window types, home age, and orientation. Book a free consultation with Randall’s to have a specialist assess your windows and recommend the best combination of treatments for efficiency and style. Call (613) 233-8441 or visit us at 555 Bank Street or 1891 Merivale Road.