The Perfect Window Treatments For Summer Heat in Minneapolis

When it’s warm outside, keeping cool is essential. One way you can reduce your energy bills and feel cool is to find the right energy efficient window treatments for summer in Minneapolis. 

As not all window treatments have the same benefits, we’ll show you exactly how window treatments can block heat from seeping in. Also, we’ll describe how to figure out the most energy-efficient window treatments so you can keep the hot temperature outside and the cold air inside.

Ways That Energy Efficient Window Treatments Block Summer Heat 

1. Seals off airflow - Window treatments that completely covers your window opening block air and could decrease the warm airflow from your window to your home. Our Polywood plantation shutters stop as much as 30 degrees of heat coming from your window when they’re fully closed. 

2. Reduces heat transfer - When the sun flows through your window it warms up the glass and that heat can be transferred to your room. Energy efficient window treatments weaken this heat transfer. Polywood shutters lessen heat transfer by about 46% and will be 70% more energy efficient than wood shutters and up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum blinds.

3. Uses a high R-value - R-value quantifies the energy efficiency of a material. It’s used for windows, insulation, and window coverings. If you want energy efficient window treatments, they should use a high R-value. When Polywood shutters are closed and used with a double-pane window, their R-value is 6, which is fairly high for window treatments.

What you should look for in energy-efficient window treatments

Window treatments that will enclose the window or trap air

The best way to stop airflow is by sealing off the window from your room. You can achieve this with window coverings like Polywood shutters which completely covers the window when shut. What sets us apart from other plantation shutters is that Polywood shutters even uses weather stripping which further blocks off any air transfer. The video below demonstrates how you should close Polywood shutters to fully experience the power of energy efficiency. (Hint: When your Polywood shutters are open, they let heat through and are lessening their energy efficiency).

Another window covering option is cellular shades.  They trap air in honeycomb-shaped cells. But, if you have a gap between the window and the shades, you can discover that there’s airflow creeping from under the shades.

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

If you want curtains or drapes, pick ones with a light-colored material that reflects back UV rays.

Need Help Picking the Best Window Treatments for Summer and Beyond?

If you're seeking the perfect window treatments for summer, Sunburst Shutters Minneapolis has what you need. Give us a call at 952-856-8130 or fill out the form below to request a no-cost in-home consultation. During your consultation, we’ll explain all of your energy efficient window treatment choices and help you choose the best window treatment that fits your style, budget, and home.