Your home should be nice and cool during the warm summer months, but it can be difficult to keep the heat out and the interior temperature comfortable. However, some window treatment options can help block heat and excessive sunlight, helping to regulate your home’s temperature. Here are a few window treatments to help keep the heat out:

1. Cellular shades
2. Solar shades
3. Thermal insulated curtains
4. Roman shades
5. Energy-efficient window glass

1. Cellular Shades

Insulated cellular shades are a popular window treatment option. These shades are typically made of a pleated material that folds, much like an accordion. Sometimes this material starts at the top of the window, but it can also start at the bottom. These shades have one or a few layers that form a cross-section much like a honeycomb. The air pockets in the cross-section of the honeycomb act as an insulator, which can help reduce heat transfer through the window. These shades are also a great way to add privacy to your windows.

Because these shades are so good at preventing heat from coming through windows, they typically offer a lot of energy savings. Installing shades like these is just one of the tips to make your home more energy-efficient. They also help create a comfortable home environment because these shades have a light-filtering or blackout option, which allows you to pick the right level of light for your home.

2. Solar Shades

Another option that can help keep heat out is solar shades. Solar shades, also known as solar screens, are a special type of roller shade that is made from a woven material. This woven material blocks the sun’s UV rays, but still allows natural light to shine through.

One of the biggest benefits of solar shades is that they can help block the UV rays and reduce glare while still allowing a view to the outside. This is perfect for a home that has desirable views. Solar shades also won’t completely darken a space, so they’re useful if you want to add more natural light to your home without allowing excess heat. They are very effective at keeping indoor temperatures cool as well as preventing furniture from fading.

3. Thermal Insulated Curtains

For a more cost-effective energy-saving solution, consider thermal insulated curtains. High-quality thermal curtains can block 60-80% of solar heat radiation in the summer, which can help keep your home’s indoor temperature about 4 to 8°F lower than if you had just regular curtains, which usually just block light.

Thermal curtains consist of three layers. The first layer is a typical curtain fabric, much like any other curtain. The insulated core is a dense inner layer made of a material that is either foam, batting, or heavy felt. Then there is a thermal backing layer that is coded with a type of acrylic foam or a metallic finish if they are aluminized thermal curtains. This layer reflects the sun’s rays out of the home. These are also excellent at keeping noise out, so they’re a helpful tip for soundproofing your windows.

4. Roman Shades

Roman shades are typically made with a thick fabric that has an extra thermal lining. This extra insulation helps block any extra heat and light, helping to keep your home nice and cool.

Roman shades are a really versatile window treatment that combines function and style. These shades come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, meaning you should be able to find something that works for your home’s aesthetic. These shades can be lowered and raised, allowing you to control exactly the amount of light or privacy you want for a specific room.

5. Energy-Efficient Window Glass

If your old windows are no longer energy-efficient, have leaks or drafts, or have cracking and warping, it might be time for replacement windows. If one of the goals for replacement windows is for more energy efficiency, you may want to seek out windows with that feature.

These windows typically have double or triple-pane units and can help block UV rays and reduce heat transfer. Energy-efficient windows also often use a gas such as krypton or argon between the panes to boost insulation and reduce energy costs. Low-E coatings further reduce UV and heat transfer through the glass. You can also look into other energy-efficient window options and upgrades, like spacers, for even more protection.

Upgrade Your Windows With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few window treatments to help keep the heat out. However, even the best window treatments won’t account for old or damaged windows. Poorly insulated windows and doors affect your home more than you may realize, so it may be time to replace some of those windows. If you want to learn more about replacing your windows, give us a call at (717) 399-4708 to start a free quote! You can also stop by and visit our showroom to see some window and door options in person.