Window blinds are more than just decorative. With rising summer temperatures and all that sunlight pouring in through your windows, your air conditioner will be running almost non-stop. And while that system will keep you comfortable, it’ll also make your energy bills skyrocket. That’s where blinds come in. Choosing the right window shades can significantly cool temperatures, save you money, and add style to your home. Your friendly neighborhood team at Village Paint & Design can help. Call us to get started: 414-961-1144.
How Exactly Can Window Blinds Block Summer Heat?
Believe it or not, sunlight that slices through your windows can account for up to 76 percent of the heat that enters your home. Installing and utilizing blinds for windows during the day blocks out a significant portion of that. They can deflect direct sunlight, preventing the “greenhouse effect” inside rooms.
Your Best Window Blind Options for Reducing Heat
Honeycomb Shades
These blinds have a distinct cellular structure that helps trap air inside individual pockets. It creates a thermal barrier, which acts as a sort of insulation against the heat.
Venetian Blinds
These feature highly adjustable slats, enabling you to redirect and reflect sunlight away. Like honeycomb shades, venetian blinds also trap air against the window glass for insulation. But they have the added bonus of letting both natural light and airflow into the room.
Vertical Blinds
Have large patio doors or sliding glass windows? Vertical blinds may be your best bet. They have the benefits of insulating your home against solar rays like honeycomb shades while also being able to reflect light like venetian blinds.
Solar Shades
One of the best options for blocking sunlight and heat while also maintaining your view of the outdoors.
Tips for Using Window Blinds to Maximum Effect
Choose the Right Color
Color is crucial when it comes to choosing the right blinds. And not just from a visual standpoint. Choosing a white or highly reflective backing can help reflect heat away and keep your home cool.
Keep to a Schedule
For maximum heat abatement, close your blinds on east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing ones at night.
Play With Angles
With venetian blinds in particular, there’s an angle trick you can try. Turn the slats upward to direct incoming heat up towards the ceiling and away from you.
Get the Right Fit
Mounting blinds as close to the window pane as possible will minimize gaps and the amount of heat coming in. Need help with the fit? Village Paint can help you order custom blinds for any room.
Keep Cool This Summer and Beyond With the Right Window Blinds
Read to add style and comfort to your Milwaukee-area home? Village Paint is the team to help. Call us today at 414-961-1144 or contact us online.