what is the best window treatment to keep the sun from warming a room

What are the best window treatments to reduce heat from the Sun?

Feb 02, 2017 · Sheer Shades If solar shades aren’t a good fit for your home, but you still want to maximize natural sunlight to heat and light your living room, bed room, or dining room, sheer shades are an excellent alternative.These window coverings are a mixture of shades and blinds with fabric vanes floating between soft, knitted fabric sheers. Raise the vanes to get soft, …

What is the best way to protect windows from sunlight?

Jun 13, 2014 · Blinds and shades resist the heat loss up to 4-5 times as honeycomb and pleated blinds are used inside the window frame. When combined with reflective backing or blackout lining, these are more efficient in reducing the heat transfer.

What are the best window treatments for your home?

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How can window treatments help you save energy this summer?

Ideally, choose “reflective blinds.” Their sun-facing surfaces repel solar heat, directing it back through window glass. Meanwhile, their room-facing sides are opaque, blocking sunlight. When completely shut, reflective blinds can slash solar heat gain by 45 percent. Such window treatments are also called “blackout blinds.”

How do you keep the sun from heating up the window?

What are the best window coverings to block out heat?

What can I put on my house windows to keep the sun out?

How do I stop my West facing windows from getting hot?

Are thermal blinds any good?

Do solar shades block heat?

How do you block the sun without curtains?

How do you shade outside windows?

How can I keep my west facing house cool?

How can you reduce heat in a west facing room?

How do you block in western sun?

How to keep your home warmer in winter?

Fabric selection affects how well your drapes or curtains control heat gain. Light-colored fabrics help reflect light, which can keep your home cooler, while darker colors hold heat inside your home, which can be helpful to keep your home warmer in the winter. If you want dark-colored curtains to match your room, choose drapery with a light-colored backing to help reflect the light.

Which shade is better for heat?

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 awnings help windows?

Awnings over exterior windows block direct sunlight, which can keep your windows cooler and can help other energy-efficient window treatments indoors work more effectively . On south-facing windows, awnings can cut summer solar heat gain by as much as 65 percent. On west-facing windows, they can cut it up to 77 percent.

What are interior window shutters made of?

They're made of solid materials, including wood, faux wood, and vinyl. Because they're made of thick materials, they can help trap hot air between the glass and the shutters to keep it from entering your room. The slats or louvers can close completely to block hot, direct sunlight during the summer heat, which also helps you feel cooler.

What is an awning made of?

Older awnings were often made of metal, but modern window awnings are often made of low-maintenance synthetic fabrics that resist water, fading, and mildew. Opaque, tightly woven fabric in a light color is ideal to improve reflection of the sunlight away from the window.

What is cellular shade?

Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, have lots of vertically stacked air pockets, called cells, that create an insulating effect. Installing cellular shades is a way to block harsh sunlight in the summer, but they also help add a little insulation in the winter on drafty windows that let in cold air. In cooler months, the pockets hold warmer air in your home, and in the summer, they hold cooler, air-conditioned air in your room while helping to block the heat from the sun.

How does solar energy help your home?

Solar energy warming your home is called "solar heat gain." This increases your energy costs in the summer by forcing you to run your air conditioning or fans more often . Reducing solar heat gain involves blocking light and/or insulating the room from the sun's heat. That doesn't mean you need to live in the dark or completely give up your views to the outdoors to stay cool, however. Flexibility with energy-saving window coverings lets you enjoy the view, the sunshine, and cool breezes when you'd like while blocking heat and harsh UV rays that fade fabrics, carpet, and other materials in your home.

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, ...

What are solar shades for patio doors?

Exterior Solar Shades for Patio Doors: The ideal shades for your patio doors are solar shades made of good quality screen material. Durable and low maintenance, they reduce the glare and block the UV rays from disrupting the temperature of your house. With a very sleek appearance, they look tidy on the sliding doors too. If you want to maintain the view and reduce the glare, solar shades will take care of it all. Slim and easy to install, they will do the job of filtering the harsh sunlight from entering your home which makes them one of the best ways to block heat from windows while retaining your view.

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.

How to save energy with window shades?

The DOE considers window shades the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window treatments. Proper installment is key. Mounting shades as close to the glass as possible and right up against the adjacent wall creates a tight seal that minimizes both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter.

How do blinds help with solar heat?

Both interior and exterior blinds help reduce solar heat gain while maintaining desired light, ventilation and privacy. When closed and lowered on a sunny window, reflective blinds (white or near white) are capable of reducing heat gain by 45 percent.

How does white plastic reduce solar heat?

According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), something as simple as a set of medium-colored drapes backed with white plastic reduces solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent. When the hot months arrive soon, don’t just blast the air conditioning.

How to reduce heat gain from solar panels?

As stated earlier, medium-colored drapes with a white plastic backing can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent if left closed during hot months. As with other window treatments, a tight seal is needed for maximum performance. Hang drapes from a cornice or right up to the ceiling down to the floor and position them as close to the window as possible.

How much heat gain can an awning reduce?

Exterior awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent for south-facing windows and 77 percent for west-facing windows.

Why use reflective film?

Because of high reflectivity film’s permanence, the DOE suggests using it in climates with short winters. The film reduces heat gain the entire year, including in winter months, which might actually benefit from solar heat.

What color shade absorbs heat?

Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter.

How to block sunlight from windows?

Study the position of the sun during the hottest months when you want sunlight blocked from your windows and install plantings that will be in the sun's path. Or hire a landscape architect, who can suggest suitable types of plants and where to plant them. Using landscaping is an especially good idea if you'd rather allow some dappled light through your windows without the harsh rays.

How to get the most sunlight in your house?

Awnings. install awnings. Install awnings over windows on the side of your house that receives the most intense sunlight during the day. This method adds a stylish look to the outside of some homes and will allow light to enter the room while blocking out the rays of the midday sun, according to APS.

What are some ways to block out the sun?

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images. Interior blinds, shades or curtains are effective in blocking out the effects of the sun, according to APS. Hang curtains or blinds that have a white or light-colored surface facing toward the window glass for the best barrier to solar heat.

How effective are external shades?

External shades are seven times more effective in blocking out sunlight and its associated heat that regular blinds installed inside the window. Some models are made so that they can easily be removed during the winter when the sun is not as intense.

What percentage of heat gain in Arizona comes from windows?

More than 40 percent of the heat gain inside the home in the summer comes from windows, according to the Arizona Power System (APS). There are several window treatments available that will keep the sun out and reduce this unwanted heat in your house. Advertisement.

Can window film be taken down?

Window film is a permanent solution and shouldn't be taken down at the end of each summer. Some types of window film can even help your home to retain more heat in winter, which may cut your heating expenses. It's worth noting, however, that window film may hamper solar heat gain in winter. This can lead to higher heating bills if you live in a very cold climate with a paucity of sunny days during the colder months.

Is window film permanent?

Window film is permanent and should not be taken down at the end of each summer. Because of this fact, window film is not recommended on southern facing windows, as it will prevent passive heat gain in the home during cooler months. Passive heat gain will cut down your heating bill in the winter. Advertisement.

What is the best way to reduce the temperature of a window?

Awnings: Window awnings can reduce the temperature from 65-80% during summer. Usually, awnings are designed to cover the window, but custom-designed awnings are also built to shelter entire side of your house. Earlier, metal and canvas were the only materials used to manufacture awnings, which required coating and maintenance ...

What is the best material for awnings?

However, today, synthetic fabrics are used to manufacture awnings. Acrylic and polyvinyl laminates are water-repellant and improved to have high fastness against mildew and fading, which increase the life of awnings by many years.

How long does it take for window film to pay back?

The installation cost may be high, but if the product saves you up to 25% in energy bills, it will pay you back just within 3-4 months. The feature that makes window films a better choice than blinds, shades and draperies is that it doest not change the look of window.

Do window dressings save energy?

Window dressings are not just aesthetic addition to our houses, but they also save a lot in energy bills. Therefore, the right selection of window dressings is critical in reducing the heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

Do window treatments help with heat?

Therefore, we look for some of the modern window treatments as the proper window treatments can save us up to 25% in heating and cooling bills. We’ve listed below four most popular window dressings that will keep the heat and UV rays out of your house this summer and reduce your energy bills too.

Do you want to block sunlight up to 100%?

Do you want to block sunlight up to 100%? Then, you should go for the high-quality blackout fabrics and linings, which fully block the light and heat of blazing sunshine. The advancements in the manufacturing process of drapery lining have reduced the cost and made it better softer-dropping product. These are manufactured in the form of panels, which can be installed to the back of drapery.

Can you apply heat reducing window film yourself?

Heat reducing window film can protect from up to 80% heat and UV transference. You can apply it yourself to save the cost or hire any professional installer. The good thing about buying a professionally installed product is that the vendor also provides the entire relevant information, like how much energy it will save and the estimated payback time.

How to keep curtains from sagging in summer?

During summer, for the greatest comfort, keep curtains and drapes closed. Ideally, hang them from “wraparound rods.” This way, the material will hug your walls, obstructing light from the sides of your windows.

Why are shade shades good for sleeping?

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

What is blackout blinds?

Such window treatments are also called “blackout blinds.” Their slats descend from a cassette window system. When you lower the blind, the slats fill the window frame, blocking light from the sides.

What fabric do roller shades come in?

Both roller and Roman shades come in quilted fabrics with fiber batting. By this, they offer a measure of defense against heat transfer.

How much sun does a sunblock block?

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.

What is a cornice drape?

A cornice is a worthwhile drape accessory. It covers a drape at the top, further restraining heat transfer.

Why are low E windows good?

Since low-E windows are double-paned and tightly sealed, they prevent drafts. Moreover, they minimize condensation and block UV rays. Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy the health benefits of bright natural light.

Why do window treatments help with heat gain?

A one-time purchase of window treatments can prevent pumping additional air conditioning into your space to compensate for heat gain during summer months.

How does the sun heat up a home?

Sunlight heats up a home by warming the air and furnishings it touches. Everything the sun has warmed, including furniture, radiates additional heat.

Why is insulation more effective in winter?

Insulation will help save energy and maintain comfortable temperatures all year round, but insulation is more effective during winter because temperature differences between the inside and outside of the home are more dramatic. During winter, the difference in temperature can be as much as 70°F and during summer, the temperature difference is rarely more than 30°F.