BEAT THE HEAT WITH WINDOW COVERINGS THIS SUMMER


Air conditioning is blissful during the summer, but running it nonstop during a heat wave will have you cursing when you get your utility bill. If you struggle with rooms that overheat or aggressive sunshine, the best thermal curtains to keep heat out are a smart investment, and can be a real lifesaver during sweltering summers or in consistently hot climates. In fact, they can even save you money by keeping your room colder without you having to purchase an air conditioner or fan. Fortunately, clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says that smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. And, as a bonus, these same practices can reduce heat loss in the winter.

And, as you shop, don't forget to keep in mind the size and length of your window. Length will be particularly important, as you want to get curtains that match your space requirements, and many of the options on this roundup feature curtains that come in a variety of lengths and size options.

CURTAINS & DRAPES
The ability of curtains and drapes to reduce heat gain depends on fabric type (closed or open weave) and color. Studies show that medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent.Something like 30% of unwanted heat comes in your windows so keeping curtains and blinds closed will help, especially during peak sunlight hours and on windows that face the sun. Some roller blinds are designed to let you see out while still blocking those rays. Having them thermal lined is also very effective. If you’re on a budget consider only thermal lining the rooms with direct sun. Hang the curtains as close to the window as possible. For maximum effect, install a cornice at the top of the draperies, seal the draperies at the sides, and overlap them in the middle using Velcro or tape.

SHADES
When properly installed, window shades are one of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy, but they need to be drawn all day to work. Cellular shades with honeycomb designs provide you heat blocking capabilities for the long summers. This summer, instead of just decorating your windows with fancy curtains, explore our honeycomb shades that are famous for their unique design, style, and fashion. The unique structure of these shades not only provides you with the best window coverings to keep the heat out but also protects you from exterior noise, dust pollution, the cold during winter, and UV rays. They are best known for their energy saving properties amongst a whole lot of other benefits.Mount them as close to the glass as possible within the window frame, creating a sealed space. Reversible shades that are white on one side and dark on the other can be switched with the seasons with the white side reflecting the sun in the summer and the dark side absorbing it in the winter.

BLINDS
Because of the horizontal slats, it's difficult to control heat loss through interior window blinds, although they do offer some flexibility. Unlike shades, you can adjust the slats to control light and ventilation.Fortunately, clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says that smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. And, as a bonus, these same practices can reduce heat loss in the winter. When completely closed, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45 percent. They can also be adjusted to block and reflect direct sunlight onto a light-colored ceiling, which diffuses the light without much heat or glare.

REFLECTIVE FLIMS
Window films are best for homes in regions with long cooling seasons. Fortunately, clever use of blinds, curtains, and other window treatments can help keep your house cool and your bills in check. The Department of Energy says that smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. And, as a bonus, these same practices can reduce heat loss in the winter. Silver, mirror-like films typically are more effective than colored, more transparent films, and east- and west-facing windows benefit most because of their greater potential for heat gain. Keep in mind that reflective films are tricky to clean and may affect your view.