When it comes to making sure your home feels comfortable throughout the warmer parts of the year, the window treatments you choose can greatly help keep your home cool. Let’s explore the factors contributing to the heat buildup during the summer months and how you can effectively address them. Then, you’ll be equipped to select the best window coverings for your home!
Understanding Heat Transfer
Did you know that the process of heat transfer is known for creating uncomfortable hotspots within homes, especially during the peak of summer? This prompts many homeowners to opt for window coverings to help lessen the effects of heat transfer. While sometimes overlooked, instances like a brisk morning when welcoming sunlight indoors can unknowingly contribute to this heat buildup.
Let’s take a look at three common modes of heat transfer:
Radiation: Despite being invisible, heat becomes noticeable once it makes contact with surfaces, gradually warming them. These cozy spots, a fan favorite for pets who are eager to take a nap, are where the sun’s rays directly impact. Thus, rapidly raising temperatures. However, this warmth becomes problematic when it gathers indoors without ideal ventilation.
Convection: Air movement facilitates the transfer of heat. It either brings warmth to windows on scorching days or redirects it during cooler times of the year. Effective insulation serves as a barrier against these fluctuations in temperature, maintaining a comfortable indoor atmosphere.
Conduction: Heat can travel through solid materials, such as windows absorbing sunlight and transmitting warmth indoors on hot afternoons. Proper insulation becomes of the utmost importance in preventing this heat transfer and preserving indoor comfort.
Window Treatments Combat Heat Gain
Heat gain, a consequence of heat transfer, happens as indoor temperatures rise even with windows closed and air conditioning running. Effective window treatments act as a barrier between indoor and outdoor air, significantly reducing radiant heat transmission. For instance, floor-to-ceiling windows, while beautiful, allow sunlight to permeate the space, warming surfaces and raising indoor temperatures.
Top Energy-Efficient Window Treatments:
When it comes to energy-saving window treatments, honeycomb shades stand out for their effectiveness. The cellular structure creates pockets of air that act as insulation. This prevents outdoor temperatures from impacting indoor comfort.
Sonnette Cellular Roller Shades combine the benefits of cellular design with the functionality of roller shades, offering both insulation and convenience. You can even pick different levels of opacity to match the look and feel of your home.
Draperies are another energy-efficient option. They allow customization based on the sunlight exposure you get at your house. Draperies can also provide additional protection through liners that you can choose to add.
Plantation Shutters effectively block incoming light when closed, reducing surface heating, while allowing indirect light when partially opened. When the louvers are opened at a specific angle, indirect light can come through without directly hitting surfaces. Shutters enveloping the window serve as a barrier, minimizing air circulation and helping with temperature control.
Roman Shades act as a barrier to incoming light, curbing airflow to slow down rising temperatures. Airflow is one of the ways that your home gets warmer during the summer. By reducing it with Roman Shades, you can control this better.
Sheer Shades have a reflective property that is directed outward from your home. Beyond just diffusing the incoming sunlight, they also direct it away. This helps with reducing heat transfer.
Ready to Improve Your Comfort?
With the warmer months fast approaching, now is the perfect time to equip your Denver area home with the right window treatments to keep it cool and comfortable for the summer. Our team at Rocky Mountain Shutters & Shades is here to assist you in selecting the perfect solutions for your home’s needs. Schedule a FREE consultation today, and let’s make your spaces enjoyable. We’re eager to get started!
