It’s tough to keep yourself cool in the summertime. It’s even harder to maintain a pleasant room temperature inside your home.
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While a lot of people don’t have to deal with scorching heat, those whose homes are subjected to the sun’s direct rays face rising room temperatures throughout the day.
Air-conditioning is efficient but expensive. Let’s think about it : How long will you have to run your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature? If it’s a matter of hours, the high electricity bills will have a deep impact on your monthly budget.
But, what if we told you that there’s a solution to this problem? Yes, you can beat the heat with one simple trick. The easiest way to protect your house from the sweltering summer sun and save energy at the same time is by blocking out the sunshine that comes through your windows.
Studies by Arizona Power Station have proved that the most heat enters the house through the windows. When you block the sun’s rays from entering your house, you cut off the excess heat, as well.
These are some types of window treatments that will help you keep the summer heat out and maintain a relaxing, welcoming environment inside your house. Let’s check them out:
Tips to Keep the Summer Heat Out with Simple Window Treatments
- External Shades
External shades are usually made of aluminum, wood, fiberglass, or mesh. These installations are a more effective kind of window shading than regular blinds that are installed inside the room.
You can also plan and install detachable external window shades that can be taken down during the winter months, when the sunlight is not as fierce. If you have glass windows that you don’t want to take down or alter, you can try installing external sheets to stop the sunlight from reaching the glass.
- Awnings
Awnings, similar to external shades, are installed on the outside of the house, over the windows. An awning extends over the window and gives it a stylish look.
There are a few different styles of awnings:
- Aluminum awnings — an economical and convenient type of awning for apartment windows.
- Convex style
- Dome style
- Elongated dome
- Patio canopy — can be used to cover your windows and shelter your patio.
- Roll-up curtains — can be conveniently rolled up when not in use.
- Slide on wire canopy — a popular modern style of window treatment.
- Re-attachable awnings — the most preferred type of awning because they can be easily removed and cleaned when needed. Rollac open style awnings are very popular modern and stylish re-attachable awnings.
- Blinds, Drapes, and Curtains
If you prefer to prevent rising temperatures from inside the house, we suggest you try out interior curtains, blinds, or shades.
However, while you are installing, make sure that the side facing the window has a white or light-colored surface for maximum light reflection. There are several styles and patterns of blinds and curtains. You can also customize curtains and drapes according to your room’s needs.
- Window Film
Reflective window film is applied to the inside of a window, just like a sticker, to refract light and keep out heat. This type of window shade is most popular and widely used in industrial buildings and corporate centers.
Reflective window film is very effective against the intense summer heat. Some window films also provide privacy by blocking the view inside the room. The film’s outer reflective surface protects your privacy, yet allows you to look out the window as usual.
- Electronic Window Shading
If you have a stylish house with reliable support for electronic devices and systems, electronic window shading might be the perfect fit for you.
Electronic window shading lets you tint your windows with just a touch. It works almost instantly and is an excellent way to keep out the sun and preserve your privacy.
Although it runs on electricity, electronic window shading has a minimal power consumption rate. Interestingly, some electronic window-shading systems also run on batteries.
High ranged window shading systems have features that let you customize your shading needs.
- Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters don’t readily come to mind when people think of ways to keep out the sun. You may believe they will work until you see it for yourself.
There are two types of plantation shutters:
- Synthetic plantation shutters are mostly water and moisture-resistant. They are very long-lasting, which makes them very cost-effective, too.
- Wooden plantation shutters have been around for a long time. They add a quaint, cottage-like feel to your home. You can also color coordinate your wooden plantation shutters to your home’s decor.
- Trees
They might seem ineffective, but you need to remember that plants are the original, natural source of shade for people.
Proper landscaping outside your windows can do wonders for your interior temperature. Planting proper trees and bushes outside your windows can produce pleasing shade against the most intense heat of the summer.
Having a tree outside your window can also be calming and pleasant. During the spring and autumn, it will help to keep your room cool and breezy.
Can Window Treatments Really Help You Save Energy?
Proper, effective window treatments can help you save a lot of energy. It spares you the hassle of constantly adjusting your thermostat or air conditioner. You can conserve a lot of energy by simply opening or closing your window shades or blinds at appropriate times during the day.
Simple, Smart, and Effective!
Now that you know about the different types of window treatments, choose the one that’s best suited to your home’s needs and decor. Save energy and save the environment. It’s the best of both worlds!