We are having one of the hottest starts to summer with the promise of even more heat in the coming months. Keeping your home cool during the hot summer months can be an expensive prospect. This is especially true if you have large windows or rooms that have large windows that let sunlight in. While it’s great to see the outdoors and have natural light during the day, it can work against your AC by heating up the air in those rooms at the same time you’re running the air conditioning to stay comfortable. This can lead to your air conditioning running almost constantly throughout the day which consumes a lot of power and is expensive. In some cases it may even cause a premature failure of your A/C unit and lead to even more costly repairs.
There’s some good news, though: It’s likely possible to cut your cooling costs during the summer. The right window coverings, can make a big difference in how much heat is added to your home by the sun wile also allowing some natural light into your room. Not only does this have the potential to cut your cooling costs significantly, but it can enhance the overall style of your home as well.
Curtains and Internal Coverings
Curtains, blinds, and other internal window coverings can have a significant impact on how much heat you gain from the sun during the summer. Medium to dark-colored curtains and drapes, especially those with white backings, block sunlight and heat gain significantly and can also help to hold heat in during the cold winter months. Blinds and rolling shades also offer some protection against heat gain, though their effectiveness depends on a number of factors including color, material, and reflectiveness.
Regardless of the covering type you choose, they are typically most effective when closed on south or west-facing windows, since these are the most likely to get direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. Closing the curtains or blinds on any window receiving direct sunlight can have at least some beneficial effect, however.
Window Films
One of the big problems with using coverings such as curtains and shades to prevent heat gain during the summer is that they block light and visibility as well as heat. If you still want to be able to see through your windows and enjoy some natural sunlight while preventing heat gain, a low-E window film might be a better option to meet your needs.
Low-E films are mildly tinted plastic films that have reflective particles of metal or metal oxide in them, reflecting UV rays while still allowing for some natural light and visibility. Because the UV rays are reflected back out into the outside, they are not able to heat up the air inside of your home. While the effectiveness of low-E films can vary depending on the manufacturer, thickness of the film, and how well they are installed, it’s estimated that some low-E films can reduce summer heat gain from sunlight by as much as 70 percent or more.
Shutters and Other Upgrades
There are a variety of other upgrades you can make to your home that will also help to block UV rays and prevent unwanted heat gain during the summer. Functional shutters that can be closed during the heat of the day can make a significant difference in solar heat gain, blocking the sunlight from actually reaching your windows in the first place. Awnings installed over windows can also block some light and heat, while still allowing for some visibility. Exterior solar screens are also an option, blocking UV rays and increasing your energy efficiency while preserving some light and visibility as well.
Choosing the right options can not only keep your family cool this summer, it can also add value to your home. I am happy to offer advice on the possible options to keep your home cool in the summer while keeping the cooling costs under control. Once you know what you want done, if it is more than a DYI project, I know the great contractors the get the job done right. Reach out now and let’s talk.