Window Treatments & Solar Heat Gain Reduction

​Awnings are often things we see over large areas of the home, office, or business building. But, did you know that awnings and other shade products are great for solar heat gain reduction in windows?
 
In fact, according to the Department of Energy, using energy efficient window treatments like “window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows.” 

​Solar heat gain is basically the amount of heat your home takes in from the sun. If you reduce the amount of solar heat gain in your building, you can cut down your energy costs and keep your building cool without cranking up the air conditioner. 

Window treatments come in a variety of types and include but are not limited to:

• Blinds: when used in the interior of the building, blinds can reduce solar heat gain by up to 45 percent.
• Awnings: as noted earlier, awnings on windows can reduce solar heat gain up to 77 percent on west-facing windows.
• Drop Screens/Shades: simple and easy to use, this shade product is considered  one of the most effective window treatments for saving energy. For the greatest efficiency, use dual shades so that you can use them for cooling and heating purposes.
• Mesh Window Screens: these can “diffuse solar radiation, reducing heat gain in the summer,” according to the Department of Energy’s article on Energy Efficient Window Treatments. 

​The window treatments listed above are just a few of the options you have. You can also use things like shutters, storm panels, drapes, and overhangs. These treatments are great for office buildings and even restaurants with large windows. 

​Now that you know a little more about window treatments and solar heat gain, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. for more information by visiting us at http://americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.