Cellular Honeycomb Shades – Maximum Efficiency
Cellular shades are the gold standard for energy efficiency. Their unique honeycomb construction creates air pockets that trap air at the window, providing exceptional insulation.
How they work:
- Air pockets create a barrier between your room and the window
- Single, double, or triple-cell options for varying R-values
- The more cells, the greater the insulation
Hunter Douglas Options:
- Duette® Honeycomb Shades – The original cellular shade
- Duette Architella® – Honeycomb-within honeycomb for maximum efficiency
- Sonnette® – Cellular roller shade hybrid
- Applause® – Value-focused cellular option
Alta Option:
- Alta Honeycomb Shades – Canadian made efficiency
The Science of Window Insulation
Windows are thermal weak points in your home's envelope. Single-pane windows can have an R-value as low as 0.9, and even double-pane windows typically rate around R-2 to R-3.
Cellular shades boost your window's R value:
- Single-cell shades: Add R-2 to R-3
- Double-cell shades: Add R-3 to R-4
- Duette Architella®: Add R-5 to R-8
In Ottawa's climate, this translates to real savings. Natural Resources Canada estimates that properly insulated windows can reduce heating costs by 10-25%. Over the life of your shades, energy savings often exceed the initial investment.
Other Energy-Saving Options
While cellular shades offer the highest efficiency, other window treatments contribute to energy savings:
- Shutters: Solid construction blocks drafts and provides insulation. Wood and composite shutters add an additional R value of 2-3.
- Roman Shades: Fabric folds trap air. Choose insulated liners for enhanced performance.
- Drapery: Heavy, lined drapes are classic insulators. Layer over shades for maximum efficiency.
- Roller Shades: Solar screen fabrics reflect heat before it enters, reducing cooling loads in summer.
Our specialists can recommend the best combination for each room based on sun exposure and usage patterns.
Smart Automation for Efficiency
Motorized shades take energy efficiency to the next level by automatically adjusting throughout the day.
How automation saves energy:
- Morning: Shades rise to capture passive solar heat in winter
- Afternoon: Shades lower to block intense sun and reduce cooling load
- Evening: Shades close to retain heat
- Away: Scheduled adjustments even when you're not home
Hunter Douglas PowerView® and Alta BLISS™ automation integrate with smart thermostats to optimize your home's energy use automatically. Schedule scenes that align shade positions with your HVAC system.
Certified for Indoor Air Quality
Energy-efficient homes are tightly sealed—which makes indoor air quality crucial. Both Hunter Douglas and Alta offer GREENGUARD certified window treatments that have been tested for low chemical emissions.
GREENGUARD certification ensures:
- Low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions
- Safe for use in sensitive environments
- Contributes to healthier indoor air
This is especially important for nurseries, bedrooms, and homes with allergy or asthma concerns. Ask our specialists about GREENGUARD certified options.
Calculate Your Savings
The payback period for energy-efficient window treatments depends on several factors:
- Number and size of windows
- Current window efficiency
- Sun exposure and orientation
- Local energy costs
Ottawa homeowners typically see:
- 10-25% reduction in heating costs
- 15-30% reduction in cooling costs
- Payback period of 3-7 years
Our consultants can assess your home and provide estimates specific to your situation.
Start Saving Energy Today
Let Randall's help you choose energy efficient window treatments that reduce your carbon footprint and your utility bills. Schedule a free consultation to discuss options for your Ottawa home.
Visit Our Showrooms | Call: (613) 233 8441