You Need Smarter Windows This Summer
It’s easy to underestimate the amount of heat generated by sunlight entering your windows. Even if your home is well insulated, penetrating sunlight can cause the indoor temperature to skyrocket, as well as your electricity bill if you use an air conditioner for cooling. Luckily, choosing the right window treatment can make both of these summer problems a lot easier.
Individual insulated curtains – a great solution
One way to help reduce heat intrusion into your home is to install insulated curtains , also known as cellular shades, on widows who are most exposed to the sun. These curtains, which have insulated internal air pockets and are usually folded like an accordion, reflect the heat of the sunlight and insulate from the general heat of the environment. They are generally cut to fit your windows and are relatively easy to install. Expect to pay around $50 per window or more.
Other interior window coverings may be more economical.
More economical options for interior window coverings may include roller blinds , louvered blinds , and blackout curtains . Either option will shade some of the sunlight and cut down on the internal heat it produces. Used in conjunction with another light blocking method, they can greatly reduce the amount of ambient heat entering your home.
Install reflective film to protect from sunlight
Another way to increase efficiency is to use a reflective film that is attached to the window itself (closing one large window will cost you about $30). They will have an SGHC (Solar Heat Index) rating which will tell you how well they reduce heat – the lower the number, the more effective the film is. This can be a good option if you want to reduce the heat in your windows without completely obstructing your view.
Temporary isolation will be ugly, but effective
As a temporary solution – say, if you’re hit by an unseasonably hot spell – you can use reflective insulation to keep the sun from heating up your home. Cut the material from the roll to fit the size of the window opening and install it with temporary sealant or removable tape . While not the most attractive option, it will help you cool off in your hour of need and will certainly keep your energy costs down.
Install external heat transfer barriers
Exterior options to reduce heat transfer from sunlight include blinds , outdoor shades , and awnings . All of these will help reduce exposure to direct sunlight and therefore slow down heat transfer, but will also affect the look of your home. In addition, blinds and shades, if not automated, must be controlled from the outside, so they can be bulky. Awnings need to be ventilated so that hot air does not accumulate in the upper part of the structure, so there should be small ventilation holes in the upper edge of the material.
Go high tech with automatic sunshades
Automatic sunshades are an expensive but increasingly popular option for thermal window protection. They can be installed outside or inside your home and are designed to reduce heat transfer. They can often be programmed or controlled from a smartphone so you can control them remotely, allowing you to adjust heat protection during the hottest parts of the day, even when you’re not at home.