The Right Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Southern California

When it’s warm outside, feeling cool is important. One way you can lower your energy bills and feel cool is to find the right energy efficient window treatments for summer in Southern California. 

Since not all window treatments are made the same, we’ll describe precisely how window treatments can block heat from coming in. Also, we’ll describe how to figure out the most energy-efficient window coverings so you can keep the heat outside and the cool air inside.

Here’s How Energy Efficient Window Treatments Stop Heat 

1. Obstructs airflow - Window treatments that completely covers your window opening block air and could decrease the hot airflow from your window to your home. Our Polywood shutters stop as much as 30 degrees of heat flowing through your windows when they’re fully closed. 

2. Curtails heat transfer - As the sun shines through your window it warms up the glass and that heat can be transferred to inside rooms. Energy efficient window coverings reduce this heat transfer. Polywood shutters can slash heat transfer by almost 46% and will be 70% more energy efficient than wood shutters and are 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Has a large R-value - R-value rates the energy efficiency of a material. It’s used for windows, insulation, and window treatments. If you want energy efficient window coverings, they should have a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are completely closed and paired with a double-pane window, their R-value equals 6, one of the highest values for window treatments.

What you should look for in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that will enclose the window or trap air

The greatest way to halt airflow is by sealing off the window from your room. You can achieve this with window coverings like Polywood shutters that completely covers the window when shut. What sets us apart from other plantation shutters is that Polywood shutters even employs weather stripping that thoroughly stops air transfer. The video below demonstrates how you should close Polywood shutters to get the most energy efficiency. (Hint: As your louvers are open, they let heat through and are reducing their energy efficiency).

An alternative window covering option is cellular shades.  They trap air in honeycomb-shaped cells. However, when you have the possibility of a gap between the window and the shades, you can find airflow creeping from under the shades.

Window coverings that are a light color and employ UV-reflecting material

If you’re buying curtains or drapes, make sure that they have a light-colored backing that reflects the light.

Need Help Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Summer and Beyond?

If you're searching for the perfect window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Southern CA has what you need. Give us a call at 888-611-2474 or fill out the form below to book a free in-home consultation. When we come to your house, we’ll walk you through all of your energy efficient window treatment products and help you find the perfect window treatment for your style, budget, and home.