Summer has arrived in Minnesota, and if you haven’t upgraded to energy efficient window coverings already, now is the perfect time. While winter often gets the attention for energy loss, heat gain and harsh sunlight during summer can also affect the comfort and efficiency of your home. The right energy efficient window treatments can help reduce heat, block glare, protect interiors from UV rays, and create a more comfortable atmosphere year-round.
At Aero Drapery & Blind, we help homeowners throughout Minneapolis–St. Paul compare custom shades, blinds, shutters, and drapery solutions designed to improve insulation and light control. Let’s explore which window coverings work best for energy efficiency—and why.
The Benefits of Energy Efficient Window Coverings
Replacing windows can improve efficiency, but it’s often one of the most expensive home upgrades. Custom window treatments offer a more affordable way to improve comfort while also adding privacy, style, and light control.
The best energy efficient window coverings can help:
- Reduce heat gain during summer
- Insulate against cold winter temperatures
- Reduce glare on screens and surfaces
- Protect furniture and flooring from UV damage
- Improve sleep with room darkening options
- Maintain privacy while still allowing natural light
- Integrate with smart home technology
Features That Improve Window Efficiency
Modern window treatments offer innovative features that help improve comfort and energy performance throughout the day.
- Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades: Lower the top of the shade to invite daylight while maintaining privacy and insulation below.
- Motorized Shades: Smart shades can automatically adjust throughout the day to block heat and harsh sunlight.
- Dual Shades: Combine light-filtering and blackout fabrics on one window for flexible comfort and light control.
- Custom Solutions for Large or Specialty Windows: Skylights, angled windows, glass doors, and large expanses of glass can all be insulated with the right window coverings.
Best Energy Efficient Window Coverings for Insulation
Some window treatments are specifically designed to trap air and reduce energy transfer at the window. These options are ideal for homeowners concerned about temperature fluctuations and year-round comfort.
Cellular Honeycomb Shades
Honeycomb shades are widely considered the most energy efficient window shades available. Their cellular construction traps air inside pockets, helping reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades also offer advanced options like LightLock™ channels for additional insulation and room darkening.
Roman Shades
Roman shades provide layers of fabric at the window, helping soften light while adding insulation. Fabric selection and opacity can dramatically affect heat control and light filtering performance.
Interior Shutters
Plantation shutters are another effective option for improving insulation and light control. Designed to fit closely within the window frame, interior shutters help reduce drafts while providing adjustable privacy and sunlight management.
Wood and composite shutters can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year while adding timeless architectural style. By tilting the louvers upward, you can direct natural light toward the ceiling to brighten the room without introducing harsh glare or excessive heat.
Best Window Coverings for Blocking Heat & Glare
Not all energy efficient window coverings focus solely on insulation. Some are specifically designed to reduce glare and block solar heat before it enters the room.
Solar & Roller Shades
Solar shades help reduce glare and UV exposure while preserving outdoor views. They are especially effective on south-facing windows or rooms with strong sun exposure.
Roller shades also offer sleek, modern styling with specialized fabrics designed to block heat and protect interiors from fading.
Sheer Shades
Silhouette® sheer shades diffuse natural light beautifully while reducing glare and protecting furnishings from UV rays. They’re ideal for homeowners who want softer daylight without sacrificing visibility.
Best Energy Efficient Window Treatments for Large Windows
Large windows and sliding doors often create the biggest energy challenges in a home. The right coverings can improve comfort while still showcasing the view.
Drapery Panels
Custom drapery adds another layer of insulation to the window while enhancing design. Heavier fabrics can help block drafts and reduce heat transfer, especially when closed during the hottest or coldest parts of the day.
Vertical Cellular Shades for Large Windows
Duette® Vertiglide™ shades are one of the best energy efficient solutions for large windows and sliding glass doors. Unlike traditional vertical blinds, these vertical cellular shades use honeycomb construction to help insulate wide expanses of glass while still operating smoothly.
Vertiglide shades stack tightly, move easily across large openings, and help reduce heat transfer throughout the year. They’re ideal for patio doors, oversized windows, and open-concept spaces where both energy efficiency and light control are important.
How Motorized Shades Improve Energy Efficiency
Automation allows your shades to respond to sunlight and temperature changes automatically throughout the day. With PowerView® Automation, shades can be scheduled to close during peak heat hours and open again when temperatures cool. This not only improves comfort, but also helps reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
Which Energy Efficient Window Coverings Are Best?
The best solution depends on your home, window placement, lighting goals, and design style. Some homeowners prioritize insulation, while others focus on glare reduction, UV protection, or motorized convenience. Our energy efficient window treatments page explores the best options for improving comfort throughout the year.
Ready to Improve Your Home’s Comfort?
If your home feels too hot in summer or too cold in winter, upgrading your window coverings can make a significant difference. At Aero Drapery & Blind, we help homeowners throughout Minneapolis–St. Paul choose custom window treatments designed for insulation, glare reduction, and energy efficiency.
Schedule your free design consultation to explore the best energy efficient window coverings for your home.
