Dear Jim: My windows are not the most efficient. I am redecorating my home and I thought about installing insulating window shades and curtains. Will these help much and what types are the most energy efficient? – Tina S.

Dear Tina: Inefficient windows are a significant area of heat loss in a home and can increase your monthly utility bills. When the window glass surface gets cold, your body radiates heat to it making you feel chilly even in a reasonably warm room. This often results in someone’s setting the furnace thermostat a little higher and this wastes even more energy.

Installing insulated shades or curtains is an excellent method, especially since you are already planning to redecorate, to improve the efficiency of old windows and your comfort. The insulation value of typical single-pane windows is R-1 and double-pane windows is R-2. The best insulated window shades can increase this by more than R-6. They also reduce chilly drafts.

The efficiency of the shades is important, but keep in mind they must also look good. If you install shades that are efficient but unattractive, you likely will not close them as often as you should. I cannot tell you how many homes I have inspected and found their insulated windows shades are not closed.

Many companies offer insulated window shades that you can find at most home centers and on the Internet. When selecting them, it is important to compare the insulation level and how well the edges seal against the wall or window framing. Also check the ease of raising or sliding them open. If it is cumbersome, you will not use them often.

A Roman shade design is very popular and efficient because it can be quite thick. You can make your own from scratch, but it is better to get well-insulated ones in kit form. The best ones have four insulating layers including reflective Mylar and a vapor barrier in the center. A magnetic edge strip is used so they seal very well against the wall.

With these kits, cut the insulated Roman shade fabric to size and add your own material cover to complement your decor. If you are not good at sewing, the kits include special adhesive strips, which are activated with a steam iron. For large windows and patio doors, side-pull curtain kits are available with the same multilayer material and magnetic seals.

Cellular pleated shades can more than triple the insulation of single-pane windows. These are ideal for contemporary decors because they almost disappear when opened. The ones with the highest R-value use double cells and slide in vertical edge tracks to block drafts. Shades that use light-blocking fabric on the exterior provide slightly higher insulation.

The following companies offer insulating shades and curtains: Country Curtains, (800) 937-1237, www.countrycurtains.com; Cozy Curtains, (800) 342-9955, www.cozycurtains.com; and Smith and Noble, (800) 560-0027, www.smithandnoble.com; Symphony Shades, (877) 966-3678, www.cellularwindowshades.com; Warm Company, (800) 234-9276, www.warmcompany.com

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Bangor Daily News, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.