We have all walked past a hot window in a building and felt the summer heat penetrate our skin. We might even have to adjust our seat at the breakfast table or at our office desk according to where the sun’s light is glaring. Not only is glare a nuisance, but heat can transfer from the outdoors to the indoors in a matter of minutes.
Exemplary solar shades on the windows of a classroom.
Outdoor heat is one of the largest contributions to high energy bills. It’s also one of the easiest problems to solve with the use of properly fitted solar shades. Solar shading provides an energy efficient solution to the problems associated with solar glare and heat.
Fostering the use of daylight in order to minimize electric light, solar shades maintain the natural ambience provided by the sun, but without the bothersome direct heat or glare. Solar shading fits directly into any sized window and can be programmed to automatically rise and fall according to outdoor light conditions.
The New York Times building in New York City, New York, utilizes the power of solar shading to block out excess heat and organically flow light throughout the building. Studies done after the install of the solar shades found that the headquarters saved 43% on lighting energy, 23% on cooling energy, 22% on peak-day energy, and 24% in total energy.
Solar shading does not take away the comfort of viewing the outdoors, but instead maintains the all-important connection to the outside with the use of see-through fabric and material.
With lower energy bills due to decreased use of air conditioning and indoor lighting, solar shading can be used beneficially in many different markets such as commercial office, hospitality, schools, or residential.
At Window Interiors, solar shading is a large part of what we do. Having worked throughout Florida for the past 25 years, we are experts in providing quality window treatments. Give us a call at 800-654-9818 to learn more about how we can help lower your building’s energy costs.
