As summer fades and cooler weather rolls into North Idaho and Eastern Washington, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm. Believe it or not, there are some things you can do to keep your home noticeably warmer during the winter that won’t cause your energy bills to go through the roof.
Common fall tasks that can help you stay warmer inside your home include checking your weatherstripping and doing pre-winter HVAC maintenance. However, one upgrade that’s often overlooked and very effective is installing insulated blinds. At Best Blinds & Awnings in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Lewis Clark Valley, we help homeowners boost their home’s comfort and efficiency with window treatments designed to trap heat indoors and reduce drafts.
Here’s how insulated blinds can make a difference—and why now is the perfect time to make the switch.
Why Windows Are a Problem in Cold Weather
Even with double-pane glass, windows are still a significant source of heat loss in fall and winter. That’s especially true in older homes in places like downtown Coeur d’Alene or Spokane’s South Hill, where windows may not meet modern standards.
Cold air seeps in, warm air escapes, and your furnace has to work overtime. Even worse, those cold windows can cause condensation in your interior, leading to problems with mildew or drips of water causing deterioration of your window frames and sills. That’s where insulated blinds (also called thermal or energy-efficient blinds) can make a significant difference.
What Are Insulated Blinds?
Insulated blinds are blinds designed specifically to reduce heat transfer through your windows. One of the most popular and effective types is the cellular (or honeycomb) shade. Believe it or not, air space is a very effective insulator, as heat and cold do not easily travel through air. These shades feature a unique layered structure that traps air in pockets, creating a thermal barrier between the window and your living space.
Another popular choice for insulation is Roman shades. Roman shades are made of a fabric that is folded back on itself to give a soft, layered look. These layers and the air pockets in the folds provide good insulation value.
When you install insulated blinds on your windows, the result is:
- Less heat loss in winter
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Lower energy bills
Insulated blinds help reduce the chill near windows, especially in the early morning hours when it is chilliest outdoors. They make living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices more comfortable, even before the heat kicks on. By installing cellular shades or lined Roman shades, you can cut down on how often your heat runs, especially at night.
Modern thermal blinds come in various fabrics, colors, and opacities, from light-filtering to full blackout, so you can match your style without sacrificing performance.
Where to Install Insulated Blinds
Not every room may need thermal insulation. For example, the kitchen may not have heating problems due to having multiple heat sources: oven, stove, toaster, and other operating appliances. Accordingly, you may want to focus on those rooms where cold can make living uncomfortable:
- Bedrooms: Keeping sleeping spaces warmer and quieter is always a plus.
- Living rooms with large windows: In winter, heat loss is especially marked in living rooms with high ceilings and those facing north or west.
- Home offices: Maintain a consistent temperature without constant thermostat changes, so you can get work done without freezing your toes.
- Basements: Basement windows are often overlooked, but these are a common source of heat loss.
If you’re in higher-elevation areas like Spirit Lake or Athol, or your home is in a gulch or valley where mountain shadows hit early, temperatures drop earlier and stay colder longer. For these locales, insulating every window is well worth the investment.
Layer for Maximum Insulation
For even more protection against heat loss, consider layering your window treatments. For example, you can pair insulated blinds with heavy drapery or curtains. This creates a double barrier that not only helps with insulation but also adds softness and style to the room. Best Blinds & Awnings can help you select coordinated and complementary colors and patterns for coverings, giving your room not only great insulation but also an elegant touch.
Local Expertise for a Custom Fit
Best Blinds & Awnings knows what works in the Inland Northwest climate. We measure, customize, and install insulated blinds built to perform through every season.
Whether you’re in downtown Spokane, on Hayden Lake, in Lewis Clark Valley, or on the prairie in Rathdrum, we’ll help you choose window coverings that improve comfort, reduce energy loss, lower your energy bills, and give your home added style.
If you’re ready to keep your North Idaho or Eastern Washington home warmer this fall and winter, contact Best Blinds & Awnings today for a no-cost in-home consultation. Let us help you find insulated blinds that fit your windows, style, and budget, just in time for the cold weather ahead.