The quick answer – yes they do block both. But you'll want to keep reading because there are different types of solar shades that work better in various situations.
3. Do Solar Shades Keep Heat and Cold Out? Solar shades can help reduce heat in a window, but they will not block cold. They reduce heat by blocking the amount of sunlight coming into a space, and making the windows more energy efficient.
And they insulate well both during the summer and winter. But these aren't the only shades that are good for temperature control. Solar shades with lighter fabrics can also be excellent for keeping the sun's light and heat out while reducing glare.
Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The most common two varieties of solar screens are 80% (which block approximately 80% of the sun's heat and UV rays) and 90% (which block approximately 90% of the sun's heat and UV rays). But solar screens can be anywhere from 40% to 95% effective at blocking heat and UV rays from the sun.
While solar screens are often touted for their summertime benefits, solar screens also bring benefits during the winter months. How so? Solar screens act as an extra insulator for your windows, providing an extra layer of protection against cold winter winds and from heat loss from your home.
Yes, solar screens are effective. Manufacturers say they keep your home 10-15 degrees colder by blocking solar energy from heating the inside of your home. Solar screens aren't a replacement for an air conditioner, rather they work with it to create a more efficient cooling system.
How do cellular shades block the heat? Cellular shades are generally considered to have the highest R-values of all window coverings and treatments. The air pockets in the honeycomb cross-sections act as insulators, increasing the R-value, thus, reducing the conduction of heat through the window.
Thermal blinds will help to keep heat in during the winter and help to keep your home cooler during the summer, but don't expect them to replace or be as good as air-con.
All solar fabrics reduce glare so you can see your television and other electronic screens better. They also save on cooling and heating costs by reducing the heat transfer (both ways). So anyway, solar shades make good sense for your home.
Window sun screens prevent internal heat from being lost through windows to the outside, stopping as much as 50% of radiant heat transfer. Because less heat is allowed indoors during the day, the temperature indoors remains comfortable all through the night.
Speaking in numbers, they reduce the sun's heating of your home by about 80%. Interior solar shades have a 30-70% effectiveness. You might also like exterior solar shades because they don't affect the interior décor of your home. They also rock at eliminating the sun's annoying glare.
Solar shades are designed to allow you to see out, but other's not see in, providing daytime privacy. The exact opposite is true at night! When a light is on in the room, people outside will be able to see directly into your home. While a solar shade provides privacy during the day, it will provide no privacy at night.
Eliminate excessive heat. While curtains and blinds are great for privacy and help to block some heat, they do so at the cost of natural light. 3M™ Window Films can reduce up to 78% of the sun's heat coming through your windows, to help make your home bright and comfortable, all day long. Control excessive cold.
Light Filtering Shades
Colors closest to white provide the most heat reduction. Light filtering shades reduce the fade because they reduce the light and UV. The added bonus is, of course, the additional privacy during the day.
Drapes, curtains and blinds enable you to control the amount of sunlight that enters the room. If you keep them closed completely, you can block the light and heat coming from the sun. You might want to consider window treatments with a light-colored or reflective backing as they are known to work best.
Put simply, yes it does. Cardboard has air pockets between two layers and this slows down the transfer of heat from one side to the other, and any warm air that gets into the air pocket can stay between these layers for a long period of time and maintain its temperature.
A: Yes! Solar screens save so much in energy costs that they normally pay for themselves within a short period of time. They also extend the longevity of air-conditioning units and furnaces by reducing their workload. Appliances are more efficient when they only have to endure a 10-20% heat gain.
Solar shades have an open weave fabric that allows light and air to pass through. During the day you can see out but, passers-by can't see in. However, at night the effect is reversed. When the lights are on in your home at night, it makes the shades transparent.
While airflow is diminished compared with standard insect screens, solar screens still allow good airflow.
The average solar screen costs $300 per window, including labor. Most homeowners pay between $120 and $480 per window. Expect to pay more for larger windows (such as floor-to-ceiling), custom screens or certain openness/density levels.
For regularly shaped and easily accessible windows, use your screwdriver to unscrew and remove your solar screens. Gently place them up against a wall or on any clean, flat surface. (Don't forget to keep all the screws together in a small box or bag for an easier reinstall).