Experts are predicting home energy costs will rise by 70% or more this winter.

 

According to research conducted by Hunter Douglas, a leader in the window covering industry, covering a window with even the least expensive of window coverings can reduce heat loss by nearly 2 fold! 

Money Saving Solution for rectangular windows:  Cellular shades 
Cellular shades, also referred to as honeycomb shades, are the best source to reduce your energy cost this winter. 

The cellular construction, similar in appearance to a six-sided honeycomb structure from a side profile, traps air in each cell.  The trapped air acts as an insulator to limit the amount of warm air that leaves your home and acts as a buffer to prevent cold air from getting in.  Cellular shades are available in single and double cell construction.  The greater the number of cells, the more energy efficient they are. 

For windows needing a vertical solution: 

  Option 1:  Vertiglide Vertical Cellular Blinds

Made by Hunter Douglas, Vertiglide blinds are cellular shades turned 90 degrees, and move perpendicular to the floor.  This is a great option for sliding patio doors and other very large window areas. 
     
Option 2: Cellular Vertical Blinds

A lesser expensive, but energy efficient vertical option, is Harmony cellular vertical blinds by Comfortex.  Different from the traditional one-dimensional vertical blind, each vane of this blind is eye-shaped in construction.  The open pocket that is the middle of each vane, traps air and acts as an insulator for your patio doors and other large windows.  Comfortex testing has shown that these vertical blinds are 20% more energy efficient than their traditional counterparts.