The Best Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Hartford

When it’s hot and sticky outside, keeping cool is essential. A way you can reduce your energy bills and stay cool is to pick the perfect energy efficient window treatments for summer in Hartford. 

As not all window treatments are made the same, we’ll describe exactly how window treatments prevent heat from sneaking in. Also, we’ll let you in on how to figure out the most energy-efficient window coverings so you can stay cool when the days are hot.

How Energy Efficient Window Treatments Stop Heat 

1. Seals off airflow - Treatments that completely covers your window opening seal off air and could reduce the hot airflow through your windows. Our Polywood shutters block as much as 30 degrees of heat coming from your window when they’re fully closed. 

2. Cuts down on heat transfer - As the sun flows through your window it warms up the glass and that heat might then flow to inside rooms. Energy efficient window coverings hinder this heat transfer. Polywood shutters lessen heat transfer by almost 46% and will be 70% more energy efficient than real wood shutters and about 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Has a large R-value - R-value rates the energy efficiency of a given material. It’s used for windows, insulation, and window treatments. You want a window treatment to have a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are completely closed and paired with a double-pane window, their R-value equals 6, which is fairly high for window treatments.

What you want in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that will enclose the window or trap air

The greatest way to stop airflow is by sealing the air between the window and the treatment. You can achieve this with treatments like Polywood shutters which completely encases the window when the louvers are shut. And unlike other plantation shutters, Polywood shutters even have weather stripping which completely blocks off any air transfer. The video below demonstrates how you should close Polywood shutters to fully experience the power of energy efficiency. (Hint: If your plantation shutters are open, they will allow heat through and are reducing their energy efficiency).

Another window covering 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 creeping from under the shades.

Window treatments that are a light color and have UV-reflecting material

If you’re buying curtains or drapes, make sure that they have a light-colored material that reflects back UV rays.

Need Help Finding the Right Window Treatments for Summer and Beyond?

If you're looking for the best window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Connecticut is here to help. Don’t hesitate to call at 860-266-5459 or complete the form below to book a free in-home consultation. At our visit, we’ll explain all of your energy efficient window treatment products and help you choose the best window treatment that fits your windows.