The Best Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Cincinnati

When it’s hot outside, keeping cool is important. One way you can lower your energy bills and keep cool is to pick the perfect energy efficient window treatments for summer in Cincinnati. 

As not all window treatments are made the same, we’ll let you know precisely how window treatments prevent heat from coming in. Also, we’ll describe how to get the most energy-efficient window treatments so you can stay cool when the days are hot.

How Energy Efficient Window Treatments Block Summer Heat 

1. Seals off airflow - Window coverings that fit tight in your window opening block air and can lessen the warm airflow from your window to your home. Our Polywood plantation shutters stop as much as 30 degrees of heat coming from your window when the louvers are down. 

2. Cuts down on heat transfer - When the sun shines through your window it warms up the pane and that heat will then transfer to your room. Energy efficient treatments reduce this heat transfer. Polywood shutters lessen heat transfer by roughly 46% and have shown to be 70% more energy efficient than hardwood shutters and up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Uses a high R-value - R-value quantifies the energy efficiency of a given material. It’s needed for windows, insulation, and window treatments. If you need energy efficient window coverings, they should have a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are shut and paired with a double-pane window, their R-value is 6, one of the highest values for window treatments.

What you should look for in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that will completely cover the window or trap air

The most efficient way to stop airflow is by sealing off every place air can enter through the window. You can do this with window treatments like Polywood shutters which completely encases the window when closed. And unlike other plantation shutters, Polywood shutters even have weather stripping that thoroughly stops air transfer. The video below shows how to best use Polywood shutters to optimize their energy efficiency. (Hint: When your louvers are open, they let heat through and are reducing their energy efficiency).

An alternative window treatment option is cellular shades.  They trap air in honeycomb-shaped material. But, when you have the possibility of a gap between the window and the shades, you can find airflow entering from under the shades.

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

If you’re buying curtains or drapes, look for a light-colored backing that reflects back UV rays.

Need Help Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Summer and All Year Round?

If you're searching for the best window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati can help. Contact us at 513-216-9740 or complete 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 choices and help you choose the perfect window treatment for your style, budget, and home.