Homeowners today are more environmentally conscious than ever, and many who live in hot climates are looking for environmentally friendly ways to cool their homes. As a result, interest in window sunscreens has increased. Installing screens outside windows is an affordable way to block UV rays from the sun and reduce the amount of heat entering homes.
Plus, adding screens can increase a home’s curb appeal, add privacy, and protect windows. Many customers keep screens on year round, as they can also help keep the interior of the home warmer in cold weather.
Screens reduce energy consumption
Customers often choose solar screens for windows because they are a good investment. Surveys by government and utility companies show that windows are the primary source of heat gain in homes and are responsible for up to 56% of cooling expenses. Installing screens can block up to 90% of solar energy, significantly reducing heat gain.
Adding screens minimizes the load on air conditioners, which can help extend the life of the equipment. Sunscreens are also very affordable and help reduce electricity costs. They can reduce the energy costs associated with cooling homes by up to 33%.
Sunscreens are a cheaper alternative to window films. Solar film filters heat in summer and winter, which can make it difficult to keep homes warm in winter and increase energy use in cold weather.
Dangerous UV rays are filtered out
There are health benefits associated with reducing the number of UV rays entering homes. UV or ultraviolet rays are included in sunlight and are one of the main contributors to skin cancer. While most people protect themselves from UV rays outdoors, many don’t realize that the sun entering rooms can also harm the skin.
UV rays not only cause direct damage to the skin, but they could also play a role in the development of cancer. While there are windows designed to block dangerous rays, most still allow a high percentage of rooms to enter. Sunscreens provide maximum protection against UV rays, adding an extra layer of protection to the interior of the home. By Energy.gov, screens can also reduce glare, which helps minimize eye strain.
Installing screens increases privacy
One of the added benefits of sunscreens is that they increase the privacy of the home, which can also add security. From the outside, the screens are dark, preventing anyone from seeing inside the rooms. However, residents inside the bedrooms have a clear view of their property. This makes it easy to keep an eye on anyone entering the yard.
Benefits extend to winter months
While most homeowners install sunscreens because of their benefits during the hottest periods, the screens also provide benefits during the winter. This is why homeowners often leave sunscreens on all year round.
Experts writing for the Do it yourself point out that sunscreens can help keep homes warm in cold weather. This eliminates the need to install interior films, a process that can be long and messy.
In cold weather, sunscreens act as a thermal blanket for window exteriors. They prevent winter elements from coming into direct contact with the glass. This keeps the glass at or very near room temperature. In short, sunscreens can keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Adding screens provides ventilation and pest protection
Sunscreens provide the same ventilation as other types of screens. Homeowners can keep their windows open in good weather and let the fresh air blow into the rooms. Even though the screens are heavy enough to provide protection, they will not impede the flow of air.
When the windows are open, residents don’t have to worry about pests entering their homes. Sunscreens keep mosquitoes, flies, bees, and other pests out of rooms.
Sunscreens Help Protect Home Interiors
Installing sunscreens can protect furniture and interior finishes from the sun. When the sun’s UV rays pass through windows, they can damage property as well as people.
UV rays alter the color of furniture and fabrics, causing discoloration, which can be expensive if items need to be replaced. The same process that can ruin furniture affects rugs, artwork, and wood floors. Electronic devices are also heat sensitive and should not be exposed to bright sunlight from windows.
Sunscreens filter UV rays and protect furniture and electronics. They can also make computers, phones and televisions more comfortable to use by reducing glare.
Home values and increased attractiveness
In addition to all of their protective benefits, sunscreens are attractive. Adding sunscreens can make homes look sleek and polished. Customers can choose from a range of colors including black, beige, bronze, white and gray. Coordinating the colors of the screen with the exterior of the home can result in a designer look that enhances the curb appeal.
Increased appeal makes it easier to sell properties, as buyers are often drawn to homes that appear to be well maintained. Sunscreens also increase property values, which can allow sellers to increase their asking price.
Homeowners can install their screens
Customers who decide to add sunscreens to home windows have a choice. They can hire contractors to do the job or buy DIY materials and install screens themselves.
The suppliers who sell the screens offer all of the materials needed for installation as well as helpful advice. In fact, business websites often include step-by-step instructions to guide owners.
DIY owners can order items like solar roller shades, rolls of screen fabric, accessories, and even samples. Suppliers also provide kits that include screen fabric, frames, hardware, and any other accessories required for installation.
Because not all buildings have standard-sized windows, companies offer custom screens as well. Customers can purchase screens in such forms as arches, semicircle, and products suitable for windows of unusual dimensions.
Installing sunscreens on windows is a simple and affordable way to keep rooms cool by reducing the impact of the sun’s heat. Sunscreens can help reduce heating costs by keeping homes cool in the summer and warm when it’s cold outside. The screens allow ventilation, so homeowners can open the windows without letting in pests. Sunscreens can increase appeal and increase property value. They are easy enough to install that the homeowner can do the job on their own.