We know at Woodward Heating Inc., that windows may offer a home natural light and beautiful views of the outdoors, but without effective treatments, windows can greatly reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Windows that receive direct sunlight, in particular, can undermine the effectiveness of your home’s cooling system during the warmer months of the year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of the sunlight that enters through a standard double-pane window will become heat inside your home.
The solution is to add window treatments to your home that reduce your windows’ solar heat gain–but not just any curtains or blinds will do. Below are the best types of window treatments for blocking out heat.
3 Types of curtains to block heat:
Roman Shades
Roman shades are designed to fit precisely inside of your window casing so that the whole area of the window is covered when the shade is down. While it’s possible to buy or make your own Roman shades out of almost any type of material, the shades will be most effective at blocking out heat if they are made with thick, heavier fabrics.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades derive their name from the cellular or “honeycomb” design of their cross-section. The air inside these little cells in the middle of the shade helps form a layer of insulation that reduces the amount of heat conducted through your window. The best part about cellular shades is that they can help you cut costs during both winter and summer. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that tightly installed cellular shades reduce heat loss through windows by a least 40% during colder months and reduce solar heat through windows by up to 80% during warmer months.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are often confused with blackout curtains due to their heavier material. However, thermal curtains are designed with a unique fabric lining or a thin layer of insulation that helps reduce heat loss during winter while keeping heat out during summer. If you prefer the look of long draperies as opposed to shades and blinds, thermal curtains are an excellent way to get the look you want while keeping your home energy-efficient.
Looking for ways to make your home even more energy-efficient?
Consider installing a Wi-Fi thermostat to create a programmable heating/cooling schedule you can adjust on the go or a zoning system to meet the unique cooling needs of different areas in your home.
Contact us for our expert HVAC services and we’ll make sure your home is back to being comfortable ASAP.
