What Is the Best Window Covering to Keep the Heat Out?

Energy-efficient windows are all the rage these days, but if you’re not ready to part with your existing windows, you can fall back on the time-honored tradition of using window coverings to beat the heat. After all, ancient civilizations used strips of cloth similar to curtains and blinds crafted from reeds or bamboo to minimize the amount of solar heat that invaded their homes, and shutters have been used for centuries as a form of indoor climate control.

Do Blinds or Curtains Block Heat Better?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), when it comes to modern window coverings, blinds are quite effective at preventing heat from invading your home, though they’re not as great at insulating your home in the wintertime. Drapes made from heavy, tightknit fabric get high marks for blocking heat in the summer as well as keeping indoor areas cozy in the winter, provided they are kept closed and extend all the way to the floor. Interior shutters are also a good choice, thanks to their snug fit against the window frame.

But what’s the top pick cited by the energy experts? Insulated cellular shades.

Also known as honeycomb shades, these innovative fabric window coverings are specially designed with pleats that create cells similar to those in a honeycomb. These cells trap air, which becomes an insulator against outdoor temperatures. In fact, the DOE lauds cellular shades for reducing unwanted solar heat gain by up to 80%.

Choosing the Best Window Treatments to Meet Your Needs

Of course, as important as energy efficiency is, it’s not the only factor you’ll want to consider when selecting the ideal window treatments for your home. Exciting Windows! has an extensive network of window treatment professionals who can listen to your goals and preferences and help you choose the best custom window coverings to meet them. You’ll save valuable time when you partner with one of our members, and you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing any window coverings you receive will be crafted with high-quality materials and come with a 10-year performance assurance warranty.

Would you like to learn more? Contact Exciting Windows! today.