Looking for an expensive way to block out 40% of the extra heat that gets into your house through the windows? Here’s an expert-backed guide on cheap ways to block heat using solar shades for windows. Solar shades are affordable window treatments to beat the heat and UV rays, keeping your home cool during a heatwave. Solar shades are a unique type of window treatment that can reduce heat, light, and glare, while retaining view-through. Light filtering solar shades allow you to use softly filtered natural light while reducing the heat gained and keeping your home cool during the peak summer months. Here is a comprehensive guide about inexpensive ways to block heat using solar shades for windows. Key Points Solar shades for windows can help block heat and maximize energy efficiency of your home. Choosing the right material and color is essential for effectively blocking heat. Motorization lift options should be considered for an automatic, pre-programmed operation of the solar window treatments. Careful installation is key to getting the most out of your solar shades. What are Solar Shades? Solar shades are sun-blocking window treatments often installed on the exterior of a building’s windows to better block heat. These window treatments come in a variety of colors, openness percentages (typically ranging from 1% to 14%), materials, and lift options to suit different needs and preferences. Solar shades can be manually operated with a cord, or they can be motorized. They offer a cost-effective way to reduce sun heat and maintain a cooler, more comfortable indoor environment. Overview of Solar Shade Technology Solar shades work by blocking and reflecting sunlight back out, reducing the amount of energy entering your home or office. The fabric used in solar shades is designed to block up to 99% of UV rays and also reduce glare. This helps keep rooms cooler during the summer months and warmer during the winter, while still allowing natural light to enter. Solar shades come in a variety of colors and materials, ranging from opaque and blackout fabrics to translucent or semi-translucent options. Because there are so many options available, you can choose the perfect shade for your space without sacrificing style. Read on to learn about the strategies for getting the most out of your solar shades. You’ll also come across the benefits of professional installation. Why Choose Solar Shades to Block Heat The sun’s heat energy can heat up your house’s interior to uncomfortable levels, particularly in the summertime. Solar shades are a great option to cut down on your cooling costs by blocking the sunlight heat from the windows. This will help you save big on your energy bills each month. Solar shades offer an effective and affordable way to block heat from entering your room through windows. These window coverings reduce heat gain by blocking out sunlight, while still allowing natural light to illuminate your room’s interior. They are usually made from a woven mesh material that filters out the harsh UV rays and glare while preserving the view from the window opening. Quick Tips to Block Heat Using Solar Shades for Windows without Spending Much Here are some quick tips to effectively block heat and UV rays using solar shades for windows without spending a huge amount. 1. Choose the Right Material Fabric Selection Solar shades for windows are usually manufactured from mesh or woven materials that allow some natural light to pass through while blocking heat. You should look for shades with a low openness factor. Here the openness factor refers to the amount of light that can pass through the fabric. The lower the openness factor, the less light will enter your home’s room. 2. Low-E coatings Low-E coatings are also a great option for boosting energy efficiency. These coatings are applied to the back of the fabric, allowing them to reflect infrared energy and reduce window heat gain. 3. Install the Shades on the Outside of your Windows Installing the solar shades on the outside of your windows will block out the heat before it enters your home. This is especially important for windows in your home or room that are exposed to direct sunlight. 4. Use Light-colored Shades Light-colored solar shades for windows will reflect more sunlight and heat than dark-colored shades. This will help you to keep your room cooler. 5. Keep Your Solar Shades Down During the Hottest Parts of the Day The hottest parts of the day are usually between 10 AM and 4 PM. So, keep your solar shades for windows down during this time to block out the most heat. 6. Consider Motorized Lift Option Motorized Blinds Motorized solar shades for windows allow you to easily control the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home. They can be programmed to automatically raise, lower, or adjust at specific times of the day. By following these quick tips, you can effectively block out heat from entering your home using solar shades without spending a huge amount. Benefits of Using Solar Shades for Windows Solar shades for windows provide lots of benefits. For example, they provide an affordable way to effectively block heat, enhance energy efficiency, and boost the comfort level and style of your home. Solar shade technology has come a long way since its inception. Not only do they provide a stylish look to any room, but they also have the ability to reduce window heat gain and keep energy costs down. By understanding how solar shades work and utilizing the right strategies for blocking heat and optimizing their energy efficiency, you can ensure that your space is comfortable and efficient year-round. How to Carefully Install Solar Shades for Maximum Heat Control The installation of solar shade window treatments can be a tricky process. Professional installation is often the best way to ensure that your heat-blocking shades are installed correctly and functioning optimally. Here are some of the benefits of professional installation for solar shades in terms of heat control, insulation, and energy efficiency. 1. Take Precise Measurements Window Measurement Take precise measurements of the window frame for a perfect fit. 2. Proper Installation Proper Installation Properly install your solar shades for the best functional output. Also, securely hang and fasten the shades on the mounting brackets. This is especially important for motorized shades, which require additional setup and programming. 3. Ensure Safety Safety Options Ensure that your solar shade installation goes smoothly. Secure brackets and other hardware correctly to prevent the shades from falling down and causing injury. Overall, careful installation of solar shades for windows is a great way to ensure that your window treatments are effective at blocking more heat, safe, and look great. Where to Buy Solar Shades from? Where to buy If you are looking for the best-quality solar shades at discounted rates and shipped free to your doorstep, consider buying solar shades at affordableblinds.com. For more information, read this solar shades buying guide. Conclusion Summing up, solar shades offer an inexpensive way to block out sun heat and reduce your air conditioning costs in summer while still providing an aesthetically pleasing look to any room. By selecting the right material and color and utilizing strategies such as motorization, you can maximize your window’s energy efficiency. Additionally, careful installation can ensure that your solar shades are installed correctly and functioning optimally. With the right installation, you can be sure that your shades will provide effective heat insulation and style for years to come. FAQs Do solar shades block heat? The quick answer is ‘Yes’, they do block heat. Solar shades prevent solar heat gain, UV damage, and harsh glare. There are different types of solar shades – especially based on their openness percentage – that work better in various situations. Solar shades typically allow a view out the window and light transmission and can be installed on the interior or exterior as roller blinds or fixed panels. Do solar shades make the room cooler? The answer is absolutely yes! Solar shades have been proven to be effective at reducing indoor temperatures and keeping the room cooler on scorching summer days. By blocking up to 99% of the sun’s rays, solar shades can help maintain a cooler home environment, saving you on your air conditioning costs. What are the best shades for blocking out heat? Cellular shades, with a series of honeycomb-like air-trapping pockets, are one of the most energy efficient shades you can buy. They effectively keep out the heat and sun, keeping your rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The honeycomb-like fabric traps the hot air and prevents it from entering your room. The cellular shades also block out the sun’s UV rays to help prevent fabrics and furnishings from fading. What is the best material to block sun heat? Quilted fabric works best to block sun heat due to its multiple layers that trap heat. What are the disadvantages of solar shades? Solar shades are not suitable for bedrooms, as they do not block out 100% light. They only filter the sun’s UV rays. Although solar shades provide privacy during the daytime, they offer less nighttime privacy. When lights are on in your room, solar shades become see-through from the outside. What can I put in windows to block heat from the sun? Here are some practical options to block heat from the sun: Solar Roller Shades with 1% openness (blocking out 99% heat from the sun). Blackout Cellular Shades Heat Reflective and Heat Reducing Window Films Bubble Wrap Insulation Energy Efficient Window Shades Insulating Shutters Need More Help? Still unsure how to block out maximum heat using solar shades? Get in touch for free consultation! Use 24/7 live chat or give us a call at (800) 863-6109 to contact our experts for DIY heat-blocking solutions in summer.