Honeycomb Blinds have earned the highest energy efficiency ratings in the industry due to their air-trapping construction. They have an R-value of between 3.5 and 4.3 depending on the material chosen. To compare a single pane glass window has an R-Value of 1.75.

A product’s “R-Value” is a measurement of its ability to resist heat loss. Using the American calculation of R Values, a single layer of uncovered window glass has an R-value of about 1.75. Higher R-values mean better insulation.

So by selecting a product with a higher R-value, you can save money on your annual energy bill. For example, a standard aluminum Venetian blind in a double glazed window (a window with two panes of glass and an air space between them) carries an R-value of 2.32.

A single cell cellular shade on that same window creates an R-value between 3.50 and 4.30. Such a high value creates a substantial savings on your heating costs.

With a “Shading Coefficient”, the opposite holds true: the lower the value, the better the energy efficiency. With that in mind, let’s make the same comparison. A Venetian blind on a double glazed window has a shading coefficient of .43.

A semi-opaque cellular shade on that same window has roughly the same coefficient of .44, but is actually more efficient because it does not have the radiant effect of a metal blind (i.e., the metal absorbs the heat energy and radiates it into the home). In comparison, an opaque fabric decreases the Shading Coefficient to .35, or even .21.

This means that a Honeycomb Blind reduces window heat by nearly 80%!