"Had a customer once who was convinced they'd slash his heating bill dramatically—he was a bit disappointed when it didn't happen."
Yeah, I've seen this expectation a lot too. People often assume that adding insulating shades or blinds will make a huge dent in their energy bills, but the reality is usually more subtle. The comfort factor you mentioned is definitely noticeable, especially in older houses with drafty windows, but the actual energy savings can be pretty modest unless you're dealing with extremely inefficient windows to begin with.
One thing I've found is that focusing on air sealing around the window frames themselves tends to have a bigger impact on heating bills than just installing shades. Even high-quality insulating shades can't compensate much if cold air is leaking in through gaps around the frame. A quick pass with some weatherstripping or caulk can sometimes do more for your energy efficiency than expensive window treatments.
Still, four years without sagging is impressive... I've had mixed luck myself, especially with larger windows. Glad yours are holding up!
Funny you mention the air sealing part—I remember a job a few winters back where the homeowner insisted his windows were the problem. He'd spent a fortune on these fancy insulating blinds, but his living room still felt like an icebox. Turns out, when I pulled off the trim, there was literally daylight shining through gaps around the frames. A tube of caulk and some foam insulation later, and he thought I was some kind of wizard.
It's surprising how many folks overlook those simple fixes and jump straight to expensive window treatments or replacements. But speaking of durability, have you ever tried those cellular shades on sliding patio doors? I've always wondered how they'd hold up over time with constant opening and closing... seems like they'd get beat up pretty quickly. Curious if anyone's had luck keeping them intact for more than a couple seasons.
I had cellular shades on my sliding patio door for about two years, and honestly, they didn't hold up great. They looked nice at first and did help with insulation, but after a while, the constant sliding back and forth wore them down. The edges started fraying, and the fabric got creased and saggy. Maybe they'd last longer if you're super gentle, but with kids and pets around... I wouldn't count on it.
Did you consider the quality or brand of the cellular shades you installed? I've seen some higher-end ones hold up surprisingly well, even with regular sliding use. But yeah, kids and pets can be rough on anything fabric-based... Have you thought about vertical blinds or panel track shades instead? They're usually sturdier for sliding doors, though insulation might not be quite as good. Curious if insulation is your main goal or durability matters more here.
"Curious if insulation is your main goal or durability matters more here."
Honestly, durability mattered more for me. Tried cellular shades first—looked great but didn't survive the dog. Switched to vertical blinds, way sturdier, though I do miss the insulation a bit in winter...
Vertical blinds are definitely durable, but they don't seal air gaps well, so you're losing heat there. Have you considered insulated roller shades? They're tougher than cellular shades and offer decent insulation without sacrificing much durability...might be a good compromise.
Insulated roller shades aren't bad, but honestly, if you're serious about sealing air gaps, interior storm windows are the way to go. Seen them cut drafts dramatically—way more effective than any shade or blind I've installed. Bit pricier upfront, but worth it long-term.
Interior storms definitely help, but I've found combining them with some decent weatherstripping around the frames makes an even bigger difference. Did both last winter and the drafts were practically gone... worth the extra effort imo.
Totally agree on weatherstripping—makes a huge difference. Interior storms alone are solid, but sealing up those sneaky little gaps around the frames is key. Last year I helped a client who swore her windows were cursed (seriously, she said that 😂). We did interior storms plus some heavy-duty weatherstripping, and suddenly her "ghostly drafts" vanished. She was thrilled...and maybe a little disappointed it wasn't supernatural after all, lol.
Just tackled this myself last month—first winter in the new place and I swear the windows were practically breathing cold air. Thought interior storms would be enough, but nope, still felt drafts sneaking through. Finally went around with weatherstripping tape and sealed every tiny gap I could find. Huge difference right away. No ghosts here either, sadly...just some lazy installation from whoever put these windows in before me, lol.
Now I'm just wondering how long this stuff lasts before I have to redo it? Hoping it's not an every-year kind of chore...