With summer upon us and temperatures sure to increase, now is the time to look at installing some awnings shutters, curtains or blinds to reduce the heat entering your home.
Homes in general these days are getting larger, and so are the windows, where sometimes almost an entire wall is made of glass. This can be an advantage in winter where large windows admit more of the sun’s warmth to aid in passive heating. But living here in Australia, the biggest issue most of us face is the heat. Particularly on the east coast where not everyone is lucky enough to enjoy an ocean breeze. The most efficient way of helping to keep your home cool is to stop the sunlight from hitting the glass in the window.
Did you know that roughly 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy is lost through the windows? During summer about 76% of the sunlight that falls on an average window enters to become heat.
Most of the types of window treatments available will result in energy savings (read: lower bills), but the exact savings depend on a variety of factors. These range from the climate you live in; are you based in Terrigal NSW or in outback Queensland? Through to the type of product (a blind, curtains, awning or shutter) and of course the actual time of year.
The Awning Advantage:
Awnings Are:
- The best way to stop heat before it enters your home
- Simple to operate and adjust
- Lots of different styles to fit any size window or area
- Provide perfect shade for all areas – they can also be used around your pool or BBQ area.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that window awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on north facing windows and 77% on west facing windows?
The Supremacy of Shutters:
- Wide range to suit all budgets
- Add value to your home
- They complement the look of your home
- Reduce noise entering the home
- Help Save Energy
- Keep the home cooler in Summer and warmer in winter
- Provide a visual security aspect
Fun Fact:
Various types of shutters have been shown to reduce heat entering the home by as much as 70%
The Best of Blinds and Curtains:
- Great for absorbing sunlight
- Many styles to choose from
- Blinds can be angled to let in as much or as little sunlight as desired
- Lighter colours help reflect the sun’s rays
Fun Fact:
For maximum relief from the heat, close your interior blinds/curtains and lower your outdoor window awning. The double layer of insulation that outdoor coverings and blinds/curtains create is the most effective combination for keeping the home cooler and reducing your energy bills.
Get in Touch
For an in-home measure and quote that will give you a great idea of how your new awnings, shutters, blinds and curtains will look, speak to Emporium!
We’ll come to you, help you to choose the right product, material and colours, measure your windows, provide an accurate quote, and give you a clear image of your new window coverings. For fast and reliable services, great prices, and quality awnings, contact the experts at Emporium Blinds today.