HOW MOTORIZED BLINDS AND SMART SHADES CAN SAVE YOU MONEY!
- Tony L
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
CHECK OUT: All About Smart Shades
Smart Shades, Real Savings
Winter in New Jersey doesn’t just test patience — it tests your heating bill. Oil, propane, and natural gas costs climb higher every season, and the numbers don’t lie: about 30% of a home’s heat slips out through its windows. In summer, the problem flips — nearly 76% of sunlight that hits a standard double-pane window becomes indoor heat.
That’s where motorized blinds and Lutron smart shades prove their value. Done right, they don’t just look good — they work every hour of the year to cut waste, reduce costs, and keep your home comfortable, whether you’re on the Shore, in the city, or anywhere in between.
These aren’t guesses. Energy.gov backs the data. And with 25+ years of experience designing with Lutron, Crestron, Draper, and Screen Innovations, HiDEF has seen first-hand how much difference the right shades make.
Why Energy Matters with Shades
Save energy year-round — keep heat in during winter and block it out during summer, without touching the thermostat.
Smarter temperature control — shades move on schedule or with the sun, keeping conditions steady automatically.
Cut solar heat gain — stop glare and excess warmth before it enters, so your AC doesn’t overwork.
Comfort that lasts — no more hot spots, drafts, or squinting through glare. Just spaces that feel right.
According to Purdue University research, automated shades can reduce cooling energy by 10–20%. The principle is simple: when heat stays out, comfort stays in — and your system works less. Sources: Herrick Laboratories. Purdue University. 2011
Which Shades Save the Most Energy?
Cellular Shades (Honeycomb)
Excellent insulation performance. Traps air to cut heat loss in winter and reduce solar gain in summer. Affordable and effective.
Motorized Smart Shades
Automated systems (Lutron, Crestron, Draper) adjust with time of day or sun position. Combine design flexibility with measurable energy savings.
Solar Screens
Interior or exterior use. Reduce glare, UV damage, and solar heat gain while keeping views. Great balance of comfort and efficiency.
Exterior Options (Awnings + Exterior Shades)
Block heat before it enters the glass. Especially effective for south- and west-facing exposures. Can reduce solar gain on these windows by 65–77%.
Why Cellular Shades Save the Most
The honeycomb design traps air, acting as insulation. This gives cellular shades the highest R-values of all coverings — meaning less heat escapes in winter, and less solar gain in summer. Their design balances energy performance with affordability, making them one of the most effective upgrades for comfort and savings.
How Do You Measure Energy Performance?
Not all shades are created equal — and the difference comes down to numbers. Here are the two that matter most:
R-Value
Measures insulation — how well a material resists heat loss.
Higher = warmer in winter, cooler in summer.
Honeycomb designs typically score highest.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Shows how well a shade blocks solar heat.
Lower = less heat indoors, less strain on AC.
Essential for sun-heavy rooms.
Energy Labels That Matter
NFRC Label → Independent U-factor & SHGC ratings for apples-to-apples comparison.
AERC Certification → Focused on window attachments. Confirms tested, real-world performance.
👉 At HiDEF, we interpret these numbers and recommend the right solution for your space.
Glare kills focus.
Research shows it can cut productivity by up to 25%. Reduce it, and you don’t just save your eyes — you get your time back. Sources: Heschong Mahone Group, Inc., 2003. Windows and offices: A study of office workers performance and the indoor environment. Prepared for the California Energy Commission.
What Is Daylight Harvesting?
Daylight harvesting uses natural light to offset artificial lighting. Pair efficient windows with smart shades and lighting controls to lower electricity use and improve well-being.
Key ingredients:
Efficient windows (double/triple pane with low-e coatings)
Smart shading + lighting sensors
Proper integration with your system
With the right setup, businesses save money while employees enjoy healthier, more productive spaces.
Proven Savings with Lutron
Purdue University research shows Lutron automated shades can boost daylight harvesting efficiency by up to 1.6 kWh per sq. ft. per year. Less wasted energy, lower cooling loads, and systems that work with the sun — not against it.
Source: Herrick Laboratories, Purdue University (commissioned by Lutron), 2013
Understanding the NFRC Label
When it comes to energy efficiency, the NFRC label is your compass. Created by the National Fenestration Rating Council, it gives clear, trustworthy ratings for windows, doors, skylights — and window attachments like shades.
Think of it as a way to compare products side by side, without the marketing fluff. Two numbers matter most:
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
How much solar heat passes through. Lower = cooler rooms, less AC strain.
U-Factor
How much heat escapes. Lower = warmer rooms, lower heating bills.
The right balance depends on your climate:
Hot summers → Look for low SHGC to block solar gain.
Cold winters → Prioritize low U-Factor to keep heat inside.
Every certified product will have an NFRC label — your guarantee that it’s been tested, rated, and compared on equal footing.
👉 Bottom line: If you want shades that actually cut your bills, look for low SHGC and low U-Factor.
For more information about the NFRC and its label, visit www.nfrc.org.
What Is AERC?
The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) is the independent body that certifies how well window coverings improve energy performance. When you see the AERC label, it means the product has been tested against strict standards — not just marketing claims.
Why it matters:
Clear ratings — look for the Energy Improvement rating to compare products side by side.
Confidence — certified shades and blinds deliver measurable efficiency, not just style.
Smart choices — whether for privacy, comfort, or lower bills, AERC labeling helps you choose with certainty.
When you’re investing in automated shades, these ratings confirm you’re getting both comfort today and savings tomorrow.
👉 Explore certified products at AERC’s database before making your final decision.
Smart Habits for Smart Shades
The U.S. Department of Energy found that 75% of window coverings never move after they’re installed. That’s wasted potential — and wasted money. Motorized shades change that, but how you program and use them matters.
Summer strategy: Keep south- and west-facing windows shaded during peak afternoon hours to block heat before it enters.
Winter strategy: Open shades on sunny days to capture natural warmth, then close them at night to keep it in.
Harness daylight: Let natural light do the work of artificial lighting, especially in offices or home workspaces.
Scenes & schedules: Automate privacy in the evenings and comfort during the day, so the system works without a second thought.
Used intentionally, motorized shades aren’t just convenient — they actively cut waste, save energy, and keep your home more comfortable year-round.
How Can HiDEF Help You Save?
Every window is different — but every window can work smarter. That’s where we come in.
At HiDEF, we design, install, and program shading systems that don’t just look beautiful — they perform. When other companies say “it can’t be done,” we’ve proven otherwise for over 25 years.
Because the truth is: the system only saves you money if it’s set up and used the right way. That means:
Shades sized and installed with precision.
Controls and schedules programmed for your lifestyle.
Year-round comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind.
With HiDEF, you’ll know your shades are working as intended — quietly, seamlessly, and effectively.
📞 Call HiDEF today at 732-530-5511 to learn how we can help you take control of comfort, light, and energy.
CONTACT
HiDEF
47 Broad St.
Red Bank NJ 07701
732-530-5511
Comments