I've gotta say, cellular shades made a noticeable difference for us, even without major insulation upgrades. Obviously they're no substitute for proper air sealing, but compared to window films—which I agree were pretty meh—they definitely cut down on drafts and cold spots noticeably.
Same here, cellular shades were a game changer for us too. We noticed fewer cold pockets around the windows right away. Still planning to tackle proper sealing eventually, but these shades definitely help in the meantime.
We went with cellular shades last winter too, and honestly, I was pretty skeptical at first. Seemed like just another thing to buy, you know? But I have to admit, they did make a noticeable difference. Our bedroom windows used to feel icy cold whenever you walked by, and after putting these shades up, it was way less noticeable.
Still, I'm wondering if it's really enough long-term. Like you said, sealing properly seems like the bigger issue here. Last fall I tried doing some DIY sealing with weatherstripping tape and caulk around our living room windows...it helped a bit, but I'm pretty sure I didn't do it perfectly (I mean, there are still drafts if you stand in just the right spot). Anyone else find window insulation ratings confusing as heck? I looked into them briefly and felt like I needed an engineering degree just to understand the basics.
"Anyone else find window insulation ratings confusing as heck? I looked into them briefly and felt like I needed an engineering degree just to understand the basics."
You're definitely not alone there—I remember spending hours trying to decipher those ratings myself. Honestly, the shades are a solid start, but you're right that sealing is key. DIY sealing can be tricky; took me a couple tries before I got it decent enough to stop most drafts. Keep at it though, each attempt makes a noticeable difference...even if it's not perfect.
DIY sealing can be tricky; took me a couple tries before I got it decent enough to stop most drafts. Keep at it though, each attempt makes a noticeable difference...even if it's not perfect.
I totally get the confusion—spent way too long staring at those ratings myself. Did you check out the U-factor thing yet? From what I gathered, lower numbers mean better insulation, but then there's also SHGC (solar heat gain something?) and that's a whole other beast. Honestly, I ended up asking the window guy like 20 questions before it clicked...maybe bugging a pro is the way to go here?
