4 Benefits Solar Screens and Shades Have on Your Utility Costs

The costs of energy utilities occupy a significant fraction of money in most homes. Relying on the doors, windows, and other openings only helps homeowners to save on utility bills to a small extent. Solar screens and shades have become an integral part of the modern construction of the house, having the ability to conserve energy more than interior treatments, awnings, and window films. This article explores the benefits of solar screens in reducing utility bills, but before we dive into this, here are a few insights.

Cost Factors

The expenditure on screens depends heavily on some factors. The size is the most important factor and whether or not you prefer to make them custom-made. Solar screens for doors are more expensive than those typically designed for windows.

Best Installation Practices

Most homeowners install attachments to the window to dress up their homes and make the space more comfortable instead of focusing on the function. According to the Department of Energy, screens and shades are the simplest and most efficient way to save energy. The proper installation is essential.

Mounting them near a glass pane and right on an adjacent wall is effective in reducing heat loss and heat gain. You have to cover all windows facing south, east, and west. It is not recommended to cover windows facing north, as the amortization of solar energy in the windows takes a lot of time. However, you can choose to cover them if [windows facing north] receive much glare from light reflections from adjacent structures.

Solar Screens and Shades Vs. Window Tinting

Compared to window tinting, window screens and shades are better at absorbing and blocking UV rays than tinted windows. Both prevent heat, but when it comes to absorption, the screens offer a better option. Another highlight that they have over tints is that the latter is a permanent attachment, while the screens can be rolled in to allow natural light and enjoy the surroundings outdoors.

Alternative to Expensive Window Tinting Options

The costs associated with the solar window screens are quite understandable once you compare them with the costs associated with window tinting solutions. Even if the window tinting measures effectively filter the heat, they have a negative impact on comfortability during the colder months by doing exactly that. When the outdoor temperatures are cold, it is best to let as much heat in as possible. Otherwise, we left to rely on our heating system to keep ourselves cozy, thus increasing electricity costs in a completely different way.

Instead of deciding to install window tinting solutions that permanently affect the way your windows work, choose to go with solar window screens instead. Many providers of solar screens offer retractable models that can be operated manually or remotely adjusted. If you live in an area that experiences large temperature fluctuations throughout the year, a retractable solar screen could be the solution you need to minimize air conditioning dependence and central heating.

How Effective are Window Screens and Shades in Reducing Utility Costs?

Several homeowners are driven to install solar shades over other available window treatment options. Here are the top benefits of solar screens.

1. Keeps home cool during the hot summer

Creating a cooling sanctuary in your house during the summer is a challenging task. To create a cool environment comes at a price. Solar screens are an effective option to prevent sunlight and the heat that accompanies them from entering the house. Manufacturers recommend them for window attachments because they can keep your house at a 10-15 degree cooler. Moreover, in winter, property owners can remove them and replace them with standard shades.

2. Reduces air-conditioning costs

An important notion about solar screens and shades is that their phenomenon is guided by function rather than style. The attachments are intended to block heat and sun rays before entering the house. However, the attachment shall not be a replacement for an air-conditioning unit. They work together to create a pleasant cooling effect. An outdoor condenser for HVAC can barely cool the hot refrigerant at home effectively. Having a canopy is an easy way to provide shade and keep it colder, helping reduce energy bills.

3. Protection against UV rays

Soft sunscreens and roller shades are elegant attachments and block almost 95 percent of harmful UV rays and absorb heat. The main factor is the opacity of the fabric. The more opaque the attachment, the more light they bring, and the more they open your interior to the outdoor setting.

4. Protects interior furnishings and equipment

The solar screens block the sun’s glare and filter out its destructive UV rays. This function is beneficial as it avoids damage to your interior furniture and décor. More often than not, we are obliged to replace a faded item due to the sun’s harmful rays. The installation of solar screens is preventive maintenance that prolongs the lifespan of your household equipment.

Bringing Solar Screens and shades into a house is a costly affair, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. In the long term, you notice that they have great economic importance as your annual savings on utility bills will drastically shoot.

Contact Houston Solar Screen Company

Solar screens can save significant amounts of money and, in case you are preparing your home for sale, they can generate money for you too. At Houston Solar Screen Company, our solar screens are available in a wide range of models and designs. All our solar screens are protected by our 10-year Extended Warranty to ensure that all necessary repairs and maintenance are covered.

At Houston Solar Screen Company, we know that your house is more than just a building. It’s your home and most probably your most significant investment. You want to take the proper steps to protect and enhance your home over time.

Contact Houston Solar Screen Company today for a free estimate on your solar screens.