Prepping Your Home (And Windows) for Summer
It’s April, which means summer is knocking on our door. Whether you’re a native to Arizona or this is your first summer here, you’re probably well aware of how hot it gets in the summer. Though the primary worry is heat loss through windows, windows can, to a varying degree, absorb heat as well. In the Arizona summer, that heat factor can be exponential due to the sun’s harsh rays.
Even if you have triple-paned windows with a good energy efficiency rating, chances are, your house is just naturally going to heat up this summer. So, what summer window treatments are the best?
Don’t Block All of the Light!
Heat gain is a natural thing. It comes through the walls, the roof, the windows, doors — everywhere. You can minimize the gain by covering up some windows, but you shouldn’t have to live in total darkness.
Embrace the natural sunlight by opening your blinds and drapes that are on north and south facing windows. Avoid east and west windows, as they’re in the direct path of the sunlight. Only opening northern and southern facing windows won’t expose your window to direct sunlight.
Sunlight is important for both our physical and mental health. Sunshine is one way that we get Vitamin D. It improves our energy and metabolism, and it also helps boost our mood. The best way to take advantage of that is to use motorized blinds offered by Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix.
Open and close your blinds at the push of a button, or automate them to take advantage of off-peak sunlight.
Spring Cleaning Applies to Windows Too!
Chances are, your blinds, shades, and drapes are going to be used more this summer. You’ll want to make sure they’re in terrific shape before you open and close them numerous times on a daily basis.
You’ll also want to make sure none of the spring allergens are left on your curtains, because once summer comes around, you won’t want to be opening your windows much to air out your home. From dust storms and high temperatures, to monsoons, it will be pretty hard to get fresh air during the day. And at night? The bugs come into play. So start early and make sure you’re ready for summer with clean window treatments.
Pull out the duster, vacuum, wood polish, and rags, because it’s time to clean! Blinds and especially fabric shades collect pollen, dust, and dirt.
A feather duster is great for light dust but for the heavy-duty jobs, pull out the vacuum and snap on the soft brush attachment.
Check out our complete guide to cleaning your window blinds and shutters here. We break down everything from a light dusting to a deep clean. No matter what you need, we have the answers!
If you have curtains, shades, and drapes, we’ve got you covered too. Check out our guide here.
Pick Window Treatments Designed For the Desert
In Arizona, homeowners must be prepared for the summer. That means having everything in their home designed around it for maximum energy efficiency. Window treatments are a prime example of this. From light blocking and heat blocking, you’re going to need it all.
First, choose lighter colors for blinds and for shades, especially those covering eastern and western facing windows. Why lighter colors? When a color absorbs light, it turns the light into heat. The more light a color absorbs, the more thermal energy it produces. Black fabric absorbs all colors of light and is therefore warmer than white fabric which reflects all colors. This means that lighter fabrics will reflect more heat back out of the window, rather than absorbing them into your home.
You’ll need to think about more than color too. Light blocking is essential, so sheer shades or curtains won’t get the job done by themselves. Layer your window treatments and use thicker materials for trouble spots.
Also consider what the window treatments are made out of. Metal is a great insulator, but it can get hot to the touch if you’re not careful, while wood can warp when exposed to too much moisture. Aluminum is a popular choice for Arizona homeowners, because it provides a good thermal barrier, without absorbing too much heat.
Our design experts at Budget Blinds will be happy to help find you the best and more stylish solution for your home! Be prepared this summer and give your air conditioner a break. Give us a call and we’ll get you set up with a free in-home or virtual design consultation.
