In 2017 we moved from Southern California to Arizona to make a fresh start. What we immediately noticed was the summers brutal heat. That lead me to start looking into cost effective ways to keep our home more comfortable while simultaneously avoiding high electric bills. The answer was Solar Screens (aka Sun Screens). Not only was it the perfect solution to help with the heat and saving on electricity but it added so many other benefits that we enjoy as well.
Solar screens are the most effective window treatments that you can apply to your home. They are great for lowering energy bills by stopping the heat transfer through your windows and doors while still maintaining your view. Window film, interior products, or awnings cannot compete with the energy efficiency of solar screens. What color of solar screen should you choose? The darker colors are more efficient and have the best view. However, there are many different colors and you should pick the color you will be most happy with.
Solar screens are easily installed on the outside of almost any window. The greatest advantage is that solar screens work whether the windows are open or closed and can be removed in winter to let the sunshine in. It is recommended to keep them in place during the winter because the screen’s fabric has the advantage of reducing wind chill effect across the window’s surface, thereby reducing heat loss. Heat always seeks a colder atmosphere. But if you prefer to take them down in the winter months that is easily accomplished. If you do take them off it is recommended to find a suitable place to store them with nothing pushing on the mesh that may cause sagging.
Radiation through exterior glass represents about 48 percent of heat transfer into a home. You can limit it by planting shade trees and installing exterior window awnings. Indoors, add window coverings with low shading coefficients and close them during the day.
Leaks in a home’s envelope account for roughly 13 percent of transferred heat. Caulking window frames, weatherstripping doors, and filling in gaps and cracks around any penetrations through the shell with expandable foam spray can curb these gains. Weatherstrip and insulate the attic hatch as well and close the fireplace damper.
A lack of sufficient insulation in the average home’s walls and ceilings accounts for approximately 19 percent of heat transfer to the interior. You can combat this by having extra insulation properly installed. Aim for R-15 in the wall cavities and between R-38 and R-60 on the attic floor.
Heat radiating down through the ceilings from an attic that can reach 160 degrees on hot days represents about 6 percent of total gains in the average home. To lighten your air conditioners workload, have a source of attic ventilation installed along with ample exhaust vents.
Numerous everyday items inside a home generate heat, including lighting, appliances and electronics. These combined sources represent as much as 14 percent of total gains. To limit this, plan activities like cooking, operating the dishwasher and drying laundry at times when it’s cooler outside. Replacing incandescent light bulbs that generate considerable heat with more efficient LED or CFL bulbs can help as well.
