Today’s homeowners are more environmentally conscious than ever before, and many who live in warm climates look for eco-friendly ways to cool homes. As a result, interest in solar window screens has increased. Installing screens on window exteriors is an affordable way to help block the sun’s UV rays and reduce the amount of heat that enters homes.
In addition, adding screens can increase a home’s curb appeal, add privacy, and protect window glass. Many customers keep screens up all year since they can also help keep home interiors warmer in cold weather.
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Screens Reduce Energy Use
Clients often choose solar screens for windows because they are a good investment. Government and utility company surveys show that windows are the primary source of heat gain in homes and are responsible for as much as 56% of cooling expenses. Installing screens can block as much as 90% of the sun’s energy, drastically reducing heat gain.
Adding screens minimizes the load on air conditioners, which can help extend equipment life. Solar screens are also very affordable and help lower electric costs. They can reduce energy costs associated with cooling homes by as much as 33%.
Solar screens are a less expensive alternative to window films. Solar film filters out heat in summer and in winter, which can make it hard to keep homes warm in the winter and actually increase cold-weather energy use.
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Dangerous UV Rays Are Filtered Out
There are health benefits associated with reducing the number of UV rays that enter homes. UV or ultraviolet rays are included in sunlight and are a leading contributor to skin cancer. While most people protect themselves from UV rays outdoors, many do not realize that the sun pouring into rooms can also harm the skin.
UV rays not only cause direct skin damage, but they might play a part in cancer development. While there are windows designed to block the dangerous rays, most still allow a high percentage to enter rooms. Solar screens offer maximum protection from UV rays, adding an extra layer of protection to home interiors. Per Energy.gov, the screens can also reduce glare, which helps minimize eye strain.
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Installing Screens Increases Privacy
One of the bonus benefits of solar screens is that they increase home privacy, which can also add security. From the outside, screens are dark, preventing anyone from seeing inside rooms. However, residents inside rooms have a clear view of their property. That makes it easy to keep an eye on anyone entering the yard.
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Benefits Extend to the Winter Months
Although most homeowners install solar screens because of their benefits during the hottest weather, the screens also offer advantages during winter. That is why homeowners often leave solar screens up year-round.
Experts writing for the Do It Yourself website point out that solar screens can help keep homes warm in cold weather. That eliminates the need to install interior films, a process that can be time-consuming and messy.
In cold weather, solar screens act as a thermal blanket for window exteriors. They prevent winter elements from coming in direct contact with the glass. That keeps glass at or very near room temperature. In short, solar screens can keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
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Adding Screens Provides Ventilation and Pest Protection
Solar screens provide the same ventilation as other types of screening. Homeowners can keep their windows open in nice weather and let the fresh air blow through rooms. Even though screens are heavy enough to offer protection, they will not inhibit airflow.
When windows are open, residents do not have to worry about pests entering their homes. Solar screens block mosquitoes, flies, bees, and other pests from entering rooms.
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Solar Screens Help Protect Home Interiors
Installing solar screens can protect furnishings and interior finishes from the sun. When the sun’s UV rays pour through windows, they can damage belongings as well as people.
UV rays will alter the color of furniture and fabrics, leading to fading, and that can be expensive if it means replacing items. The same process that can ruin furniture affects carpeting, artwork, and wood flooring. Electronics are also sensitive to heat and should not be exposed to bright sunlight pouring from windows.
Solar screens filter out UV rays and protect furnishings and electronics. They can also make it more comfortable to use computers, phones, and TVs by reducing glare.
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Home Values and Curb Appeal Increase
In addition to all of their protective benefits, solar screens are attractive. Adding solar screens can give homes a sleek, polished look. Customers may choose from a range of colors that include black, tan, bronze, white, and gray. Coordinating screen colors with home exteriors can result in a designer look that enhances curb appeal.
Increased curb appeal makes it easier to sell properties since buyers are often drawn to homes that look well-maintained. Solar screens also increase property values, which can allow sellers to increase their asking price.
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Homeowners Can Install Their Screens
Customers who decide to add solar screens to home windows have a choice. They can hire contractors to do the job or buy DIY materials and install screens themselves.
Suppliers who sell the screens offer all the necessary materials needed for installation as well as helpful tips. In fact, company websites often include detailed instructions to help guide homeowners.
DIY homeowners can order items such as roll-up solar shades, screen fabric rolls, accessories, and even samples. Suppliers also provide kits that include screen fabric, frames, hardware, and any other accessories required for installation.
Because not all buildings have standard-sized windows, companies also offer custom screens. Customers can buy screening in shapes like arches, a half-circle, and products to fit windows with unusual dimensions.
Installing solar screens on windows is a simple and affordable way to keep rooms cool by reducing the impact of the sun’s heat. Solar screens can help reduce heating costs by keeping homes cool in summer and warm when it’s cold outside. The screens allow ventilation, so owners can open windows without letting pests in. Solar screens can increase curb appeal and boost property values. They are easy enough to install that homeowner can do the task themselves.