While the temperatures have not quite started to rise just yet, now is as good a time as any to start thinking about the summer months just around the corner. Summer can sometimes creep up on us and catch many of us unprepared. As important as it is to keep your home insulated during the winter, it is just as important to do so during the warm months if you want to enjoy maximum comfort and minimum energy bills.
WHY INSTALL BLINDS BEFORE SUMMER?
Being prepared is the best way to avoid nasty surprises. Opting to install blinds sooner rather than later can have a great impact on your energy bill. No matter how well you insulate your walls, roof, and other parts of your home, your main vulnerability lies with your windows and doors. Even brand new windows with perfect seals can still allow your home to heat up in the summer. How does this happen? Well, there are two ways.
Firstly, if the sun ever shines directly on the window, it will heat up the glass as well as anything the light touches. Have you ever placed your hand on the floor or a piece of furniture once the summer sun has been shining directly on that area? You will notice just how hot it gets. Especially when you compare this with the temperature of the floor or furniture next to this area.
Secondly, the sun also warms up the window and this can eventually result in the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside of your home. Even if the window is in the shade, the warmer temperatures outside can influence the temperature of the window. Apart from investing in quality double or triple pane windows, the right blinds can help solve this problem and more.
HOW CAN NEW BLINDS HELP?
By investing in new blinds, you can help block the sun from heating the furniture, floor and other parts of your home. Keeping the contents of your home cool will help keep the rest of the room cool and comfortable too. Even if your windows become warm from the sun, an extra layer of protection will help slow the transfer of heat. This is also true for windows that do not receive direct sunlight or if they receive minimal morning or afternoon sun.
When ordering new blinds for your windows, make sure that they are designed to fit the window perfectly. There should be no gaps around the edges that could allow light to enter the room. Similarly, blinds that are too large will stick out like a sore thumb which is another reason to make sure that a professional measures and installs your blinds.
TYPES OF BLINDS
When you start browsing, you will notice that there are many options from which to choose. Reversible shades have a dark colour on one side with a lighter colour on the other. During the summer you could use the lighter colour on the side closest to the window in order to reflect light and heat while, in the winter, you could reverse them to attract more heat. Roman shades are also very popular in terms of design and functionality. They are great for keeping the heat at bay during the hotter months. If you want to keep the heat and light out of a room, like your bedroom, then you should consider blackout shades or blinds.
Over and above everything, the most important factor to remember when replacing or installing new blinds is to select quality blinds. The last thing anyone wants is to have to replace them again after a year or two. At NorthShield Blinds and More we have a wide variety of top quality blinds perfect to suit all your needs. Call us at (204) 800-0222 for more information and to schedule your free estimate.
