Energy-Efficient Window Treatments in Central Florida

It depends heavily on the house, the orientation and how the treatments are used. The largest savings come from west and south-facing glass that currently has little or no treatment, and from getting shades into position before the sun hits rather than after. We would rather set a realistic expectation at the consultation than quote a headline percentage.

For heat specifically, a double cell cellular shade or an insulating shutter performs best among interior treatments, because both create an insulating air layer against the glass. An exterior solar screen outperforms any interior product, because it stops the energy before it reaches the glass at all.

Certain qualifying energy-efficient products, including ShutterSmart EnergyGuard shutters, can be eligible for federal tax credits of up to 1,200 dollars. Eligibility depends on the specific product and your individual tax circumstances, so confirm your position with a tax professional. Our tax credits page covers what is involved.

No, and it is a common confusion. Blackout describes how much light a fabric blocks. Energy efficiency describes how well the treatment resists heat transfer. A thin blackout fabric can block all the light and do very little about heat, while a light-filtering cellular shade can do the reverse.

Yes, though it matters much less in Central Florida than the cooling side. Cellular shades slow heat transfer in both directions, so they retain warmth on the handful of genuinely cold nights. Here, the summer performance is what justifies the purchase.