The arrival of summer means time spent scheduling outdoor barbeques, lounging in the sunroom, and hunkering down at home to keep cool. However, you may be curious about available energy-efficient window treatments that don’t skimp on style, block UV rays, and beat heat.
We will explore how to select choice window treatments, the performance of various window coverings, and regulating your home’s indoor temperature.
Signs That a Window Treatment Lacks Energy Efficiency
When a home has stuck with the same window treatments for years, it’s easy to think that everything is fine. However, it may be time to upgrade window treatments with a window covering that is more energy-efficient.
Yes, a home may already be outfitted with windows that are correctly installed and sealed to prevent energy loss and heat gain. But, window coverings like blinds and shades provide an additional layer of protection and improve a home’s performance.
A considerable amount of cooling and heating energy leaves a home through its windows. Also, when sunlight is beaming down on windows and the exterior facade of a property, much of it becomes trapped as pure heat. Using window coverings helps lessen energy loss and keeps interior temperatures even and refreshingly cool.
Improve the indoor environment of a home and reduce the need to run fans, air conditioners, and the HVAC system to feel comfortable. Save on energy use and costs with smart window coverings that allow you to use natural lighting without heating your home.
Regularly test windows' energy efficiency and upgrade window coverings to boost personal comfort levels and reduce energy bills.
Uneven Indoor Temperatures
Most likely, the window treatments differ in a home, depending on the room and its intended use. So, a flux in indoor temperatures is possible because there would be a higher or lower level of UV protection and light filtering between wood, vinyl, metal blinds, or even woven rolling shades.
Of course, don’t count out the impact of rooms with a western or southern exposure that gets heavy sun. It is wise to choose window coverings that block heat, are room darkening, or can withstand extreme temperature exposure without quickly warping.
Regularly examine current window coverings and upgrade to materials and styles that keep a home’s temperature more even.
Soaring Energy Bills
Summertime temperatures often bring on more expensive energy bills, as the demand to run fans, air conditioners and keep cool is high. However, improper window coverings could be one reason a home is absorbing more heat gain than it should. It’s essential to survey one’s property and install blinds and window coverings that are more energy efficient.
What to Look for in a Window Treatment for Summer
Selecting energy-efficient window treatments doesn’t mean settling for window coverings in a bland, neutral color, in an outdated and uninspiring style. There are so many options available to filter light, block UV, regulate temperature, and match the current aesthetic in a home.
Stylish Solutions for Windows
Discover a window treatment that matches your style, fits your budget, and keeps a home cool and stylish in the summer months. When a house lacks sufficient energy-efficient window treatments, a lot of energy is lost. So, peruse some of these excellent options when upgrading window coverings.
Blackout Blinds
Especially for windows that face the south or west and a scorching sun, blinds or shades that help block out the light keep a home cooler. Typically, blinds that are manufactured to assist in diffusing light helps a home maintain a more even room temperature while blocking out UV rays. Plus, as a bonus, it provides a high level of privacy, keeping prying eyes out.
Heat Blocking Shades
Thanks to modern technology, many rolling shades are equipped with properties that block a considerable amount of UV rays. Also, they are available in a range of styles to fit any room without clashing and help keep the interior temperature even and cool.
Honeycomb Cellular Shades
For homeowners who want window coverings that tackle controlling interior temperatures in summer and other seasons, it's worth checking out honeycomb shades. It has a unique design which was made for energy efficiency as it traps air within its pockets.
They also create needed visual interest because of their look. An alternative to this would be energy-efficient cellular shades.
Smart Shades
Embrace the age of smart homes and virtual assistants and smartphone apps, and incorporate your home’s window treatments. Create a more energy-efficient home with installed smart shades that can change their position at set times, on-demand, or in response to fluctuation in indoor temperature.
Wood Blinds
Choose standard wood blinds or woven ones to help reduce heat gain, and keep your home cool and in style. Many natural materials like rattan, jute, hemp, bamboo, and popular lightweight woods are used to create energy-efficient window treatments.
Wooden Shutters
Borrow a window covering style from the past, and install wooden shutters in a bedroom, living room, or at the entry point of the pool or patio. Wooden shutters allow complete customization for the size and length of wooden slats for improved lighting control. They are highly energy-efficient and help keep heat out, so a home interior stays pleasant and cool.
Choose Cool and Stylish Summer Window Treatments
When spending time at home, the atmosphere indoors should feel inviting and relaxing for all. Using appropriate window treatments for summer weather reduces the chance of stuffy, sweltering, or uncomfortable conditions.
Remember, energy-efficient window coverings are a vital layer of defense against heat gain and living in a miserably hot home. Reduce skyrocketing energy bills and improve your home’s energy performance and style.
Discover elegant blinds and other window treatments suitable for every aesthetic sensibility to enhance a home’s energy efficiency and regulate indoor temperature.
