As far south as the Coastal Bend lies, windows pose a real challenge to energy efficiency. The sun is strong and when it hits the glass, radiant heat pours in. Even when it’s not shining, windows still conduct heat because glass itself has almost no ability to resist the movement of heat.
Dual pane, low-e windows are only as good as their airtight seals. While the seal is intact, these kinds of windows offer good protection against heat gain. If your windows have lost their seals or you have single-panes, consider turning to window coverings to keep your home more comfortable.
Some types of window coverings provide protection against the flow of heat remarkably well, especially:
Shade screens.
Placed on south- and west-facing windows, these screens can block up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat. The materials to make them are available at home centers and online, or you can hire a company to custom design and make them for you. They don’t block the views outward, but do provide privacy from the street.
Cellular shades.
These dual-layer, lightweight shades create a layer of insulation between the glass and the room. Their air pockets trap conditioned air, which provides a buffer between the room and the window’s heat. Single-layer vinyl shades offer little heat resistance.
Window quilts.
As their name suggests, window quilts fit snugly between the edges of the glass just outside the frame. They are often decorative and thick enough to block both heat gain and air infiltration from leaky windows.
Thermal drapes.
As long as they hang beneath the window frame and well above it, thermal drapes offer solid energy efficiency year-round. They have a more formal appearance than window quilts and are often pleated. They’re most efficient when they’re topped with an enclosed valance that stops air movement.
Windows do impact energy efficiency, as does the condition of your cooling system. To learn more, contact CCAC, providing trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.
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