The Best Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Washington DC

When it’s hot and sticky outside, feeling cool is critical. A way you can lower your energy bills and stay cool is to pick the perfect energy efficient window treatments for summer in Washington DC. 

While not all window treatments are made the same, we’ll describe exactly how window treatments can block heat from sneaking in. Also, we’ll describe how to get the most energy-efficient window treatments so you can keep cool when the outside is hot.

Ways That Energy Efficient Window Treatments Block Heat 

1. Obstructs airflow - Window treatments that fit tight in your window opening block air and could lessen the warm airflow through your windows. Our Polywood plantation shutters block as much as 30 degrees of heat coming from your window when they’re shut completely. 

2. Curtails heat transfer - As the sun comes through your window it warms up the glass and that heat can be transferred to inside rooms. Energy efficient window treatments reduce this heat transfer. Polywood shutters can slash heat transfer by roughly 46% and will be 70% more energy efficient than hardwood shutters and up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Uses a high R-value - R-value measures the energy efficiency of a material. It’s needed for windows, insulation, and window treatments. If you need energy efficient window treatments, they should have a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are shut and coupled with a double-pane window, their R-value equals 6, a high value for window treatments.

What you want in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that are designed to encase the window or trap air

The greatest way to block airflow is by sealing off every way air can enter through the window. You can accomplish this with treatments like Polywood shutters that completely protects the window when shut. And unlike other plantation shutters, Polywood shutters even have weather stripping which thoroughly blocks off any air transfer. The video below demonstrates how to best use Polywood shutters to fully experience the power of energy efficiency. (Hint: As your louvers are open, they let heat through and are reducing their energy efficiency).

An alternative window treatment option is cellular shades.  They trap air in honeycomb-shaped little pockets. However, if you have a gap between the window and the shades, you can discover that there’s airflow coming in from under the shades.

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

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

Need Help Choosing the Right Window Treatments for Summer and All Year Round?

If you're seeking the best window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters DC can help. Give us a call at 240-339-2588 or complete the form below to book a free in-home consultation. At our visit, we’ll walk you through all of your energy efficient window treatment products and help you choose the best window treatment that fits your style, budget, and home.