White and beige living room with white polywood shutters above a white couch.

Energy Efficiency And R-Value Of Window Treatments In Charlotte

June 23, 2022

Energy conservation can be a huge need for your windows. With a bad covering, you have a greater chance of heat loss with your windows, which can lead to bigger utility bills. To find the best energy-efficient window coverings, you need to find out their R-values.

But which window treatments own the highest R-value in Charlotte?

What’s A Window Treatment’s R-Value in Charlotte?

White polywood shutters in a white bedroom.

Everything in your home that contributes to insulation -- from drywall to windows -- gets an R-value. That number represents how well the item stops thermal energy from traveling through it. A larger R-value and the object is a more efficient insulator.

But why should you care about a window treatment’s R-value in Charlotte? Well, because your windows are one of the most prevalent energy wasters in your house. If you need to keep in the hot air during the cold seasons or keep your home cool in the warm times, you have to have a window treatment with greater insulation. A window treatment with a high R-value lets you keep your house at your preferred setting.

Window Covering R-value Table

Every window treatment is not created with the same care, at least not when it comes to insulation. Though there may be some variation due to the materials and build between different companies and models, here’s what you’re likely to find when contrasting window coverings.

Window Covering	Average R-Value
No window treatment	0.75 - 1
Aluminum blinds	1.5 - 2
Window shades	2.5
Draperies	2 - 3
Real wood Shutters	3 - 4
Honeycomb Shades	4.5
Polywood® Plantation Shutters	>6

Source: R-values from Energy.gov and HouseLogic.

Keep in mind, the larger the R-value number the more efficient the window treatment. No surprise that store-bought mini-blinds, which use thin aluminum, offer almost no protection compared to a more solid covering, like Polywood interior shutters. That large difference in R-value can be seen in a difference of several degrees – enough to feel an influence on if you dial up the thermostat and increase your energy use.

What Are The Factors In A Window Treatment’s R-Value In Charlotte?

Light gray cellular shades inside a white and rustic styled living room.

A couple of factors affect a window treatment’s R-value: form and substance. To start with, treatments that have lots of avenues for heat to escape will not get a large R-value. For instance, curtains and blinds dangle down, allowing air to leak out around the sides of the covering itself. On the other hand, interior shutters are custom-crafted around the window, trapping heat against the window’s glass when the louvers are completely shut.

Secondly, what the product is made out of can also bring a big impact to insulation. Take honeycomb shades, which are made with overlapping layers of fabric designed to trap air. As a result, they can block air flow more effectively than treatments like pleated shades. Likewise, our Polywood plantation shutters, made from a durable faux wood composite, can repel heat loss more than natural wood shutters. Polywood shutters also employs weatherstripping, which results in a tight seal when the louvers are shut.

Increase Your Window’s R-value In Charlotte

Does it seem like your home could be a bit cozier? How about changing to durable Polywood shutters to raise your R-value? Contact Sunburst Shutters Charlotte by dialing 980-231-1116 or complete the form below to get your no-cost in-home consultation.

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