The Best Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Chicago

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

While not all window treatments have the same benefits, we’ll let you know exactly how window treatments prevent heat from coming in. Also, we’ll describe how to figure out the most energy-efficient window coverings so you can keep the heat where it should stay - outside.

Here’s How Energy Efficient Window Treatments Block Heat 

1. Seals off airflow - Window treatments that fit tight in your window opening seal off air and can lessen the warm airflow from your window to your home. Our Polywood shutters block as much as 30 degrees of heat flowing through your windows when they’re fully closed. 

2. Cuts down on heat transfer - As the sun comes through your window it heats up the glass and that heat might then flow to the inside space. Energy efficient window treatments hinder this heat transfer. Polywood shutters lessen heat transfer by roughly 46% and will be 70% more energy efficient than hardwood shutters and are 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Maximizes R-value - R-value measures the energy efficiency of a material. It’s needed for windows, insulation, and window treatments. You want a window treatment to earn a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are closed and coupled with a double-pane window, their R-value equals 6, a high value for window treatments.

What you should look for in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that can encase the window or trap air

The most efficient way to halt airflow is by covering every place air can seep through the window. You can achieve this with treatments like Polywood shutters which completely encases the window when the louvers are shut. And unlike other plantation shutters, Polywood shutters even employs weather stripping which further stops air transfer. The video below demonstrates how to correctly close Polywood shutters to fully experience the power of energy efficiency. (Hint: When your louvers are open, they are letting heat through and are lessening their energy efficiency).

An additional window covering 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 creeping from under the shades.

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

If you’re buying curtains or drapes, look for a light-colored material that reflects the light.

Need Help Choosing the Perfect Window Treatments for Summer and Beyond?

If you're searching for the perfect window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Chicago has what you need. Contact us at 847-250-6544 or complete the form below to schedule a no-cost in-home consultation. At our visit, we’ll explain all of your energy efficient window treatment products and help you find the best window covering for your energy efficient needs.