Treatment FAQ

what is the best window treatment to block sun and heat on a budget

by Delia Auer Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Exterior Shutters and Shades
They are most effective at reducing solar heat gain. Shades are typically fabric or vinyl and the material may have openings that allow some visibility through the window. The larger the openings, the less protection from solar gain.

Full Answer

How to choose the best window treatment to block Sun and heat?

The most expensive window treatment to block sun and heat does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. Many low-cost models offer excellent performance and comfort. A brand with high-quality products and outstanding customer service is the ideal choice for window treatment to block sun and heat.

What is the best window film to block out solar rays?

Up in third is the KESPEN reflective window film. This reflective film can block out 91% of all solar rays and up to 99% of harmful UV rays. The KESPEN has the look and feel of professional window film and works great on both residential properties and commercial buildings.

What is the best window film to protect windows from heat?

A great option would be the Gila heat control three in one window film. You should look for films that are durable and are tear-resistant. They should also be easy to install and be able to firmly stick to your windows. The better it sticks, the better the protection.

What are the best window treatments for your home?

Shades are some of the best window treatments because of their simplicity and effectiveness. There’s a secret to their success, though: being properly hung. You want to get each shade as close to the window glass as possible, with the sides of the shade as close to the wall as possible, to create a sealed air space.

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What can I put on the outside of my windows to keep the heat out?

Heat Blocking Window Shades. Putting up window shades is a quick fix for solar overheating. ... Blockout Roller or Panel Blinds. ... External Window Shading. ... Bubble Wrap Window Insulation. ... Heat Reducing Window Film. ... Combining Multiple Methods.

What shades block heat best?

Light-colored solar shades are best for heat control because they help reflect the light away from your windows. Dark-colored shades are better for glare control, but they also help a little with heat control.

How do you treat a window to keep heat out?

Heat Blocking Curtains and Drapes Tightly-weaved fabrics work best to reduce heat gain, especially if they have a lining. Darker-colored drapes trap more heat inside, while lighter-colored drapes reflect light. Generally, light-colored drapes with a lining are best for cooling your home.

Do blinds or curtains block heat better?

Curtains offer better insulation and soundproofing. In warm weather, however, blinds beat curtains in energy efficiency. Because blinds leak more heat from a room, they also decrease indoor heat gain more efficiently in the summer, by around 45 percent, which can lower your AC bills.

What is the most energy efficient window covering?

honeycomb shadesCellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Do faux wood blinds block heat?

Yes, faux wood blinds insulate very effectively in both directions, be that preventing the internal heat from escaping in winter, or preventing it from breaking in during the summer!

How do you block a sun window without curtains?

You can take substantial sheets of corrugated board or cardboard to cover up your windows. Taping cardboard panels to a window with painter's tape help block out light completely, and it provides insulation to keep a room warmer.

How can I cool my room to face the sun?

Drapes, curtains and blinds enable you to control the amount of sunlight that enters the room. If you keep them closed completely, you can block the light and heat coming from the sun. You might want to consider window treatments with a light-colored or reflective backing as they are known to work best.

Do blackout roller shades keep heat out?

Do blackout blinds keep the heat out? That's the question people have been inevitably asking over the last few days as temperatures soar to 30 degrees. The short answer is yes - blackout blinds block sunlight, making them one of the best ways to keep a room cool.

Are thermal curtains worth it?

Yes! Thermal curtains work effectively during both winter and summer. Medium- to light-colored curtains with a white, thermally reflective backing can reduce heat gain during the summer by as much as 33% by reflecting solar radiation. The orientation of the window also affects energy efficiency.

What are the best blinds to keep out the sun?

Here are five best blinds to keep heat out.Perfect Fit Blinds. The stylish Perfect Fit blinds are popular, child friendly, and versatile. ... Wood Blinds or Faux Wood Blinds. These are insulating horizontal blinds made of wood that come in a variety of slat widths. ... Roller Blinds. ... Venetian Blinds. ... Vertical Blinds.

Do blackout roller shades keep heat out?

Do blackout blinds keep the heat out? That's the question people have been inevitably asking over the last few days as temperatures soar to 30 degrees. The short answer is yes - blackout blinds block sunlight, making them one of the best ways to keep a room cool.

Best window treatment to block sun and heat

Blinds are a classic window treatment option. Since sunlight cannot get through wood, blinds are a good window treatment for allowing sunlight in when you want it and completely blocking it when you want a dark room. They are great for bedrooms when you want to block the sunlight early in the morning.

Keep your home cool in the summer

Want the best window treatment to block sun and heat? We can help you choose the perfect type and designs for your home. Contact Blinds Bros. today for your free consultation to see which window treatment would work best for you.

Why is it important to have a heat blocking window film?

The right fit is important because you want the film to cover your window completely for the best results. Films add comfort and efficiency to your home.

How to stick a film to a window?

If you are looking for the best way to stick a film to your window, look for films that use static cling versus a film that adheres right to your window. The adhesive usually lasts longer, but the static cling gives you more flexibility.

How much of the sun's energy is transmitted through glass?

Did you know that 83% of the sun’s energy is transmitted through glass and 86% of this sunlight becomes heat? This is why heat reducing window films are a great option to make your home cooler and reduce your cooling costs.

What are the best window treatments for windows that face the sun?

If installed in the proper manner, interior blinds can be used to reflect the sunlight towards the ceiling which can scatter the light without creating too much heat inside. If your windows face major sunlight most of the day, blinds are the ideal window treatments for you. #3. Curtains and Drapes.

What is the best way to block heat from windows?

Exterior Shutters and Shades: One of the best ways to block heat from windows, exterior shutter and shades are extremely effective in reducing solar heat gain. They are usually made of fabric, wood, steel, aluminum or vinyl. While purchasing them for your residence, make sure that the material has smaller openings because of tinier the openings, ...

How do cellular shades help with solar heat?

Experts say that cellular shades can cut down the solar heat entering your homes by about 80%, or even more if installed tightly. #2. Blinds That Block out Light and Heat.

How to block heat from windows?

Sunlight is important, but being exposed to it for long can be detrimental to you in various ways. To escape the blazing sun, the easiest way is to shut yourself in your home and blast the air conditioner at its max. It works for a temporary cool down, but what about the sunlight ...

How do blinds work?

Though exterior blinds are much more effective than the interior ones, it is not very easy to install them to an already-constructed window. They are ideal for newly constructed houses and block the heat before it even enters your room. If installed in the proper manner, interior blinds can be used to reflect the sunlight towards the ceiling which can scatter the light without creating too much heat inside. If your windows face major sunlight most of the day, blinds are the ideal window treatments for you.

Why are shades installed close to glass?

Mounting them extremely close to the glass helps in creating a sealed space which obstructs the sunlight.

What is cellular shade?

Cellular Shades A.K.A Honeycomb Shades: Cellular shades have small hexagonal channels which increase the insulation of your room by trapping unwanted heat. Noise dampening and energy efficient, cellular shades are available in many colors and are an ideal choice for any room.

Interior Shades

Minimalistic and simple to operate, shades are a top choice for any homeowner. Both modern and timeless, shades can be customized to match the window design and grant precise light control.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are a popular choice for homeowners seeking insulation for their windows. They are made of a series of long hexagonal cells stacked vertically, which has earned them the nickname "honeycomb shades." Their pockets trap air that insulates your home, reducing heat gain from your windows by up to 80%.

Roman Shades

Roman shades combine classical and modern aspects of design to create the ideal solution for rooms that need darkening. They offer excellent light control and insulation for any room in your home. Roman shades from Budget Blinds can also be motorized, allowing you to open and close hard-to-reach windows with the push of a button.

Solar Shades

External solar shades diffuse sunlight, bringing in natural light without glare. They can also be installed on patios and porches, keeping exterior spaces cool. Inside or outside, solar shades are a sleek, breezy way to keep cool in the summer.

Heat-Blocking Blinds

The horizontal slats on window blinds block sunlight to heat gain. You can also diffuse light to prevent glare by tilting their slats.

Heat Blocking Curtains and Drapes

Drapes and curtains are classic window treatments that not only offer beauty and elegance, but also regulate heat. Ideal for rooms that need darkening, drapes cover the window completely, blocking sunlight

Layered Window Coverings

Layering multiple window treatments is an excellent way to reduce heat. For instance, adding drapes to a window with shades or blinds will combine their insulating effects. You can choose between a variety of colors in textured solids or custom patterns to match the drape design.

What window treatments can mount directly inside the window frame?

3. Roller Shades. Also known as solar shades, these window treatments can mount directly inside the window frame and come in various levels of transparency and opaqueness. Many homeowners choose these options for their windows because they have a more streamlined, modern aesthetic.

What to do with windows in June?

Here are just a few things you can do with your windows to keep your home more comfortable June through August: 1. Heavy Drapes. Over the past few years tastes have changed dramatically, especially in how homeowners “treat” their windows. Heavy drapes are less common now.

How much does blackout drapes reduce heat?

Heavy blackout drapes and those with the white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33 percent. Those energy savings can add up quickly. The downside is you compromise, shutting out natural light along with the heat. 2. Window Shutters.

What is low E window?

Perhaps the most popular is low emissivity (low-e) windows that can mitigate unwanted heat but also allow in ample natural light. For more information about keeping your home windows Phoenix covered and cool in Phoenix, AZ, contact the experts at Freelite. You can call to schedule an appointment at (602) 233-1981.

What are plantation shutters made of?

These feature louvers that allow you to adjust how much light you want to block. And because these are typically made of vinyl or wood materials, you get the added benefit of energy saving insulation.

Do drapes reduce heat?

Heavy drapes are less common now. Instead a lot of designers favor light, bright, open spaces full of natural light and windows that offer expansive views. But what most people forget is unwanted heat gains. Heavy blackout drapes and those with the white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33 percent .

How much heat gain can blinds reduce?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), when highly reflective interior blinds are lowered and closed on a sunny window , they can reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. If you want to let a little light in, instead, they can also be adjusted to reflect the sunlight on a light-colored ceiling, diffusing the light without much heat or glare.

How to reduce heat gain from the sun?

One of the best ways to reduce heat gain from the summer sun in your home is to have plantation shutters professionally installed on each of your windows. Typically made of wood, but sometimes made of vinyl, the shutters are custom-fitted to each window and hung on hinges. As a bonus, these tasteful, long-lasting window treatments are often coveted ...

Why do drapes stay cooler in summer?

Add to that the fact that the drapes stay cooler than some other window treatments in the summer because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection, and you’ve got yourself a bonafide energy-efficient — and tasteful — window treatment.

Why are shade windows so popular?

Shades are some of the best window treatments because of their simplicity and effectiveness. There’s a secret to their success, though: being properly hung. You want to get each shade as close to the window glass as possible, with the sides of the shade as close to the wall as possible, to create a sealed air space.

What is a honeycomb shade?

Another shade option is the honeycomb style, which features a layered design that traps the air in its individual “honeycomb” cells. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so this type of shade creates an effective temperature-transfer barrier between the window and the interior room.

How to keep out the sun?

Keep Out the Sun With Energy-Efficient Window Treatments. You may not be able to replace your current windows with top-of-the-line, energy-efficient ones right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save on energy costs in the meantime. Sometimes overlooked, window treatments, such as blinds and curtains, can actually help to keep ...

Can you reverse the shade?

That way, you can reverse the shade, depending on the season. In the summer, the reflective side should face the window, to keep the heat out. And in the winter, it should face the room, to keep the heat it.

What is the best window film for heat?

The Window Whirl won our pick for the best translucent window film for heat control due to how it effectively blocks out UV rays while also allowing in an appreciable amount of visible light. The Whirl offers both heat control and UV prevention while also allowing privacy from the interior of your house.

Which window gets the most sunlight?

Window orientation matters as it affects how much sunlight that particular window gets. In general, south-facing windows get the most sunlight because the sun follows a south-east-to-west arc through the sky. Thus, south-facing windows will require more UV-blockage than other windows. Climate.

How much does reflective film cost?

In general, reflective film is the cheapest kind you can buy whereas Low-E film is the most expensive. Low-cost varieties of reflective film generally cost around $40 a roll, while Low-E film can cost up to $200 per roll.

How does window film save energy?

Saves Energy. Window film can save you nearly 25%-30% on heating and cooling costs during the winter and summer, respectively . Less HVAC Use. The less you have to use your HVAC system, the less you have to spend on maintenance and repairs for it.

How do exterior shades block heat?

Typical interior or exterior shades block heat by merely blocking sunlight and not letting it through. Shades can make the interior of your home dark, though. Window tinting. Window tinting is very similar to applying window film and can block out certain types of infrared and UV light rays.

Does heat control film help fade paint?

The sun’s UV rays can cause furniture and paints to fade. Heat control film can prevent this from happening. UV Protection. By the same token, heat control window film can also protect you from UV exposure, which can damage your skin. Reduce Glare.

Can you use window film on a credit card?

In general, window films are straightforward to install and you can do it yourself. All you need is a measuring tape, box cutter, spray bottle, and something flat you can use to smooth out the layers, such as a credit card. You also need to make sure you thoroughly clean the window first before applying the film.

Heat Transfer

A standard single-pane window doesn’t manage heat well. During winter, it lets 30 percent of your household heat escape.

Advantages of Blocking Sunlight Heat from Windows

Some types of window coverings reduce heat transfer by up to 77 percent! Plus, during fall and winter, they prevent heat loss. Thus, your rooms will be comfier year-round.

Interior Shades

Shades have a simple design, managing sunlight while conferring privacy. They can also help you sleep better by muting outdoor sounds.

Blinds

Like shades, blinds mount at the tops of your windows. Their rigid slats enable you to control the amount of sunlight entering. Slats can be vertical or horizontal, creating an orderly, structured look to your windows.

Curtains and Drapes

First, let’s clarify how curtains and drapes differ. Generally, curtains consist of lighter fabrics, sized to fit the windows they dress. Drapes extend to the floor and have a more formal look.

Adhesive Window Film Blocker

Are your summers long and your winters mild? If so, consider applying adhesive window film. Transparent film lets more daylight pass through window glass.

External Window Shading

Outdoor shades halt sunlight before it enters your home. High-quality sunscreens can block up to 97 percent of solar heat and UV rays. Any remaining solar energy is absorbed, reflected, or diffused. In turn, sunscreens eliminate glare.

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