When it comes to saving energy, it pays to know how to take advantage of natural energy and how it flows through your house. With the use of what is called passive cooling, you can conserve energy by using window treatments and other items that inhibit the transfer of heat energy into your home.

Trees or shrubbery planted for shading is one passive cooling method. Trees and other shrubbery not only absorb the sun’s heat, but the shade created can be a passive barrier for heat transference.

You can also use interior options, such as shades, blinds or special glazing on windows.

Windows are one of the leading sources of air leakage, allowing hot air to creep indoors during the summer and warm, heated air to work its way outside in the colder months. By taking the appropriate steps, you can effectively boost window insulation and better maintain the overall comfort level of your home.

Here are a few steps you can take to save energy costs with your windows:

• Make sure any cracks or crevices around your windows are sealed off.
• Clean your windows so that they give you the maximum reflective surface.
• Use window treatments to act as protective barriers for heat transference.
• Install storm windows or solar screens.
• Replace old single-pane windows with more energy efficient windows.

At ShutterLuxe Inc., we serve our clients with many different options for window coverings. Among them are plenty of options for energy savings. One of the key products we like to introduce to our clients is the solar shade.

Solar shades help you to defend your home against glare and harmful UV rays while maintaining your ability to see outside. They come in a variety of options, colors, designs, and materials including green options that only use green materials.

Besides providing solar protection, solar shades help you keep the home lighted. The materials and colors allow light into the home, whereas other shades generally do not. They are normally of lighter colors that allow them to be reflective.

The only issue with solar shades is that since they are manufactured to let light in, they can also become see-thru at night.

You will want to pair them with draperies or curtains that you can close if this is the case. Or, there are solar shades available with a unique weave material that won’t allow people to see in.

If you would like to learn more about solar shades installation, call ShutterLuxe, Inc at 205-239-4302 or complete our online request form.