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The Right Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Miami

July 31, 2019

When it’s warm outside, keeping cool is essential. A great way way you can lower your energy bills and feel cool is to find the right energy efficient window treatments for summer in Miami. 

As not all window treatments are created equal, we’ll describe in detail how window treatments prevent heat from seeping in. Also, we’ll describe how to get the most energy-efficient window treatments so you can keep warm air where it belongs - outside.

Ways That Energy Efficient Window Treatments Block Summer Heat 

Interior shutters in breezy sunroom.

Polywood® shutters can stop the Miami summer heat and keep your house cool. 
  1. Obstructs airflow - Window treatments that completely covers your window opening trap air and could reduce the hot airflow from your window to your home. Our Polywood shutters stop as much as 30 degrees of heat coming from your window when the louvers are down. 

  2. Cuts down on heat transfer - As the sun flows through your window it warms up the glass and that heat will then transfer to your room. Energy efficient window treatments hinder this heat transfer. Polywood shutters reduce heat transfer by almost 46% and are up to 70% more energy efficient than wood shutters and about 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

  3. Maximizes R-value - R-value rates the energy efficiency of a given material. It’s needed for windows, insulation, and window treatments. If you need energy efficient window treatments, they should use a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are closed and paired with a double-pane window, their R-value is 6, a high value for window treatments.

What you’ll find in energy-efficient window treatments

Polywood Shutters in Miami kitchen

Now that you understand some of the ways that window treatments stop heat transfer, what specific features should you want to see in a treatment?
 

Window treatments that are designed to completely cover the window or trap air

The best way to halt airflow is by sealing the air between the window and the treatment. You can do this with window treatments like Polywood shutters that completely encases the window when closed. And unlike other plantation shutters, Polywood shutters even have weather stripping that further blocks off any air transfer. The video below demonstrates how to correctly close Polywood shutters to optimize their energy efficiency. (Hint: When 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. However, if there’s a gap between the window and the shades, you can still have airflow creeping from under the shades.

Window coverings that are a light color and use UV-reflecting material

[White|Plantation]313] Shutters in Bedroom 

Light colors reflect light and make a great choice for energy efficient window treatments. That’s why our Polywood shutters are available in three shades of white and utilize a UV-reflecting paint on them to help your AC bills stay low.

If you use curtains or drapes, make sure that they have a light-colored backing that reflects sunlight back.

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

If you're looking for the perfect window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Miami is here to help. Give us a call at 305-520-7515 or complete the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. At our visit, we’ll demonstrate all of your energy efficient window treatment choices and help you discover the perfect window covering for your style, budget, and home.