With the warmer months approaching, things are heating up. It’s time to find the best window treatments to keep your home cool. We’ll discuss the different ways heat can affect your home–and how to find solutions. Then, we’ll show off the best energy saving window treatments for your Kansas City area home and lifestyle.
Heat Transfer
You know that feeling when your home gets stuffy in summer? That’s because of heat transfer. This is the main reason most homeowners make sure to cover their windows. Let’s understand the three basic types of heat transfer.
Radiation
Heat is not felt directly in the air, but rather the warmth felt when sunlight hits the surface of an object. This happens when sunlight shines through your windows and comes into contact with flooring, furniture and walls. Your pets love to find these spots to catch up on some midday naps.
Convection
This process happens when moving air brings heat to a cool window when it’s hot, and cold air to a warm window when it’s cold. The outside of your home has more air flow than inside, but insulating properties provide a proper barrier so the interior temperatures don’t fluctuate with the mixing of air.
Conduction
Once a solid object, like a window, heats up from the sunshine, it will then heat the interior. This is also an example where insulation is important.
Window Coverings Prevent Heat Gain
And heat gain is the result of heat transfer. This is that dreaded temperature you feel even when the AC is running. If a barrier is made between the exterior and interior, it will make the atmosphere drastically more comfortable and keep your home cool. Window Coverings will help reduce this radiant heat from even entering the space. See the photo above? The floor to ceiling windows let sunshine in everywhere. Every space there is sun, there will be heat, and thus, the surrounding air will be hot and stuffy.
Recommended Energy Saving Shades
Right out of the gate, honeycomb shades are a top player in the energy saving shade game. Air is trapped in the cellular structures of these shades. It creates a barrier to keep the exterior air from creeping into the interior air.
In addition to the cellular pocket concept, Sonnette Cellular Roller Shades were created, but they operate like a roller shade. This collection fuses the two ideas for thermal shade protection, while rolling out of the way for a seamless look.
Draperies are an old favorite because of their long-standing reputation of being a great energy efficient option. Customization is available if you choose to go this route. They can even feature a liner for more protection from the elements.
Plantation Shutters are a great option for a more traditional look. They frame the window with adjustable louvers to keep sunlight under control. If there is no sun shining in, there is no worry for surfaces heating up. Want a little sunshine? That can happen with the louvers being adjusted, yet still make sure there is not a direct light contact with surfaces. The entire shutter frames the window, reducing air flow.
Roman Shades also are known for their barrier. When they are lowered, the folds of fabric are actually shaped to reduce air flow. By reducing the air flow, the temperature is less likely to rise. They also stop the sunlight in its tracks at the window.
Sheer Shades posses a unique reflective quality. They diffuse the light and reflect the sunshine back outside. This can be a dynamic way to reduce the heat gain experienced from radiant heat.
Keep Your Home Cool With the Right Window Coverings
Summer months can be tough, but we’ve got the solutions that are tougher. Our window covering specialists will stop the heat at the windows. Let’s beat the heat together, and keep your home cool with the right coverings. Your home is special, and we want you to customize it to your lifestyle. Contact One Stop Decorating to schedule a free in home design consultation, and the rest will be a breeze.