Looking for the most effective and easy-to-install window treatments to block heat and protect your furniture from sun damage and the harsh UV rays? The most popular heat blocking window treatments include highly reflective window films, insulating cellular shades with bubble wrap, blackout roller blinds, heavy fabric Roman shades, and weather stripping.
The best heat blocking window coverings will not only protect your room’s interior from fading but they will also reduce summer heat gain, cutting down on your power bills. So, they are an ideal choice for residential and commercial buildings located in hot climate zones.
A cheap way to block heat from windows is the use of summer window blinds and shades. These window treatments not only block out heat but also provide other functionalities, like light control, light filtrating, and energy efficiency.
As the weather starts to heat up, it’s important to make sure your home is prepared to keep you cool all summer long. One of the best ways to do this is by installing heat blocking window blinds and shades. Window treatments will provide an extra layer of insulation to keep hot air and heat waves out.
There are a variety of different types of heat blocking window blinds and shades available, so it’s important to choose the ones that are affordable and most effective at blocking out heat.
Here are a few DIY tips to help you select and install the right window blinds for blocking 100% summer heat.
Things in a Nutshell!
- Reflective window films, insulating cellular shades, and blackout roller shades offer a cheap way to block heat from windows and reduce cooling costs.
- Heat blocking window treatments work by blocking hot air and providing an extra layer of insulation.
- There are a variety of heat blocking window blinds available, so it’s important to choose the ones that are best suited for your need to block out some or all heat.
- To maximize the effectiveness of window blinds and shades, they should be properly installed edge-to-edge.
Why Window Blinds, Shades, & Films are a Cheap Way to Block Heat from Window
Window blinds and shades play an important role in keeping your home cool during the hot months of the year. By blocking out direct sunlight, they help to reduce heat gain through windows. In addition, blinds and shades can act as an insulating layer, trapping heat in the room in winter and making it more comfortable.
During the winter months, window shades and window blinds can help to keep your home warm and save on heating energy bills. By selecting the right type of blinds for your needs, you can create a comfortable environment while also saving money.
How Window Treatments Work to Keep Heat Out
How window blinds and shades offer an economical way to keep heat out is a question that is often asked by those who are looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The answer lies in the material that the shades and blinds are made of and how they are installed.
Most heat blocking window blinds and shades are made of a light-colored, reflective material that helps to reflect sunlight away from the window. This helps to keep the inside of the home cooler during the summer months.
What Is the Best Window Treatment for Blocking Heat?
Insulating cellular shades is the best and most affordable window treatment for blocking heat waves and hot air, rejecting UV rays, reducing noise, and providing exceptional energy efficiency. Here’re also some other options to consider:
Reflective Window Films to Keep the Sun’s Harsh Rays at Bay
A high quality reflective window film can 100% block out the sun’s rays and help maintain the temperature, cutting down on your home’s cooling costs in summer.
There are two types of heat blocking reflective films: sputtered and hybrid. Sputtered reflective films provide clear views of the sky while hybrid reflective films block both UV and solar heat.
Whether installed inside or outside the window frame, reflective window films provide the best heat and UV prevention. However, the reflective effect is reversed during the night. It is a very affordable option.
Before buying the best reflective film for the windows, understand its properties. The SHC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient), is an important measurement to consider. This measurement indicates how effective the film is at blocking UV and visible light. A higher U-value means more UV and visible light are rejected, while a lower SGC means less reradiated heat is allowed to enter the building. Infrared rejection is another important parameter to look for.
Pros
- Reflective window films will simultaneously provide sun protection, heat rejection, glare reduction, privacy, and security.
- By blocking out heat, they can help you save money on your cooling costs.
- With reflective film covering your home’s windows, you won’t get high electricity bills.
- They involve a relatively easy and inexpensive installation process.
Cons
- One downside of reflective window films is that they only give you privacy during the day.
- They’ll let in little sunlight in winter.
Double Cellular Shades – An Affordable Option for 100% Heat Insulation
Choose insulating double cellular shades to cover windows directly facing the sun. They are available with both light filtering and room darkening features to make your home feel even more luxurious.
They’ll effectively protect your home from sunlight, heat, and UV rays while blocking out glare.
Because they trap heat and cool the air, honeycomb or cellular shades are a great choice for improving the energy efficiency of your home. Match and coordinate the color of the wall and the shade.
Pros
- Cellular shades are the best option to cover windows that receive a lot of sun.
- In addition to blocking out light, they offer a degree of privacy and insulation.
- The honeycomb structure of these shades helps reduce energy costs and protects your furniture from UV damage.
- They can be motorized for luxurious operation motorization.
- Cellular shades come with easy-to-handle mounting hardware and they are easily available at online stores.
Cons
- The pocketed structure of cellular shades can collect dust and dirt, causing cleaning difficulties.
- The cellular fabric can stain over time.
Blackout Roller Blinds for Total Light and Heat Control
Blackout roller blinds are a popular choice for skylights, bedrooms, and bathrooms because they can be easily operated with one hand and provide total heat control in addition to blocking out light completely.
Pros
- They do not let light through.
- Totally block out the sun and the heat.
- Tightly woven fabric acts as a sound-proofing barrier, keeping outside noise levels down.
- Smart and sleek design.
Cons
- They provide little flexibility in light control and cannot be adjusted to allow partial light.
- Blackout roller blinds can be a bit difficult to clean if they are installed on a tall window.
Roller shades
Venetian Blinds to Reduce Solar Heat
Venetian blinds are ideal for living rooms and kitchens, as they allow you to control the amount of light, heat and airflow in the room. Additionally, they come in a wide range of colors and materials to suit any interior décor style.
Pros
- Venetian blinds are an excellent choice for reducing solar heat, which is uncomfortable during the hot summer months.
- You can tilt the slats of Venetian blinds to let in some sunlight while blocking out the rest of it.
- The slatted design looks beautiful and is easy to clean.
Cons
- Slats of Venetian blinds are more prone to mechanical damage than fabric.
- They can make noise when a breeze is blowing through them.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are a stylish option for any room in the house as they can be made from a variety of fabrics and offer heat blocking functionality. Whatever your needs, there is sure to be a type of Roman fabric shade that is perfect for you.
Pros
- Minimize heat gain in summer
- Soft fold Roman shades have a cascading design that can block out more heat.
- Improve the energy efficiency of your home.
- A beautiful window treatment option.
Cons
- More expensive than roller shades due to their intricate construction.
- Unlike cellular shades, Roman shades do not provide complete insulation.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Heat Blocking Window Treatments
When it comes to choosing window treatments that block heat from windows, there are a lot of options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a classic look that can be customized to fit your own personal style, traditional fabric blinds are a great option.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right window blinds and shades that block heat from windows.
Heat Blocking Capability
First, consider the heat blocking potential of the blinds and shades. Do you want to partially or completely block out heat? Go with spectrally selective window film. It’s important to consider how much heat you want to block before making a purchase.
Location and Direction of Windows
The first thing to think about is the location and direction of the heat blocking windows. Are you windows south-facing? Are they on the wall or the roof? For windows more exposed to the sun, choose heat-resistant material.
Size
Another important factor is the size of the blinds or shades to block heat from windows. Make sure that they are wide enough to cover the entire window, but not so wide that they block out too much light. For this, you’ll need to take accurate measurements.
Material
Finally, pay attention to the material of the energy efficient window treatments. Light-colored fabrics will reflect more heat and prevent it from coming into your room, while dark-colored fabrics will absorb more heat.
Style
Next, consider the style of your home. Are your windows large or small? Are they traditional or modern? There are blinds available in a variety of styles to match any aesthetic.
Budget
Finally, think about your budget. Heat blocking blinds and shades can range in price from as low as $18 to as high as $1000+ depending on the material, style, size, and lift option, so it’s important to set a budget before beginning your research. With these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect set of window blinds or other window coverings, like shades, curtains, and draperies for your home.
How to Install Heat Blocking Window Treatments for Maximum Effectiveness
For an inch-by-inch, edge-to-edge fit, follow DIY step-by-step guide on how to install heat blocking window treatments.
- Step 1: Drill holes (using a ⅜-inch drill bit) in the window frame.
- Step 2: Set up and secure the brackets with screws and a screwdriver.
- Step 3: Hang your window covers.
Bottom Line
Heat reflective, blackout, and insulating window shades and blinds are a great way to control the amount of heat in your home. They come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit your own personal needs. When installing heat blocking blinds and shades, be sure to take into consideration the size, location of the window, and material of the blinds in order to maximize their effectiveness in heat control.
FAQs
What is the best heat protection for windows?
The best heat protection options for windows include blackout blinds, reflective window films, weatherstripping, and insulating windows with bubble wrap. Each of these options puts up a powerful defense against the sun.
What is the best way to block heat from windows?
Five best ways to block are:
- Blackout roller blinds to block out both light and heat
- Heat reflective window blinds
- Heat reducing window films
- Bubble wrap insulation
- External, heat-resistant window blinds
What is the cheapest way to block sun from windows?
The cheapest yet very effective, quick, and budget-friendly way to block sun from the windows is by covering your windows with aluminum foil. The reflective surface of aluminum foil will effectively block out light, heat, and UV rays. It’s easy to apply on the window, saving you a significant amount in terms of installation charges.
Need More Help?
Still unsure which window treatment offers an easy, effective, and affordable way to block out summer heat? Contact our professionals using 24/7 live chat or give us a ring at (800) 863-6109 for expert advice and a custom solution.
