Sunlight is a wonderful thing, but when you get too much direct sun coming through your home or business windows, it can become unpleasant. It's uncomfortable to sit in because of how hot it gets and how it exposes you to harmful UV rays. It can also cause color fading and faster wear on all your home furniture. According to the United States Department of Energy, about 77% of the sunlight that falls on even standard double-pane windows enters and becomes heat. That is a crazy additional cooling cost you will have to worry about. That’s where interior solar shades come in.

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Customization?

Solar shades are versatile due to their ability to have custom levels of transparency. You can choose how much sunlight comes through the window. Privacy during the night is a big consideration that will dictate where they are used, because they do allow a view at night into lit rooms. Solar shades function similarly to roller shades, but the material is different. A tight fit is necessary in the window frame to help prevent gaps that would let sunlight through. Solar shades are a more economical option than roller shades, which makes them a great choice for many people.

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Solar shades are a wonderful solution if you have a patio or other outdoor areas that require a break from the sun. Depending on the technology in your home, you can even set some timers that allow the solar shades to automatically lower when the sun hits. This allows your outdoor furniture to be protected from fading. Connecting solar shades to a smart home system can easily open up a world of programmable options. UV rays can cause skin cancer and eye damage, so it is important to help protect yourself and your family from them.

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Dark or Light shades?

With different shades and colors, there are endless opportunities for what your solar shades can look like. Lighter colors reflect heat better and illuminate a room, but the downside of this is that when you look outside, it may be a little cloudy or hazy. If you go with dark colors, it may be great at lessening glare and blacking out a room. Darker fabrics are a great choice for bigger windows that may overlook an area. It also helps that solar shades are easy to clean. You can use a mild dish soup that is diluted in water if you need to get grime and dirt off. If you need to dust them, using a brush attachment on a vacuum hose is a great option. Try to avoid submerging the solar shades in water because it damages the mechanisms.

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What about winter?

A common misconception is that solar shades are just summer accessories. Because of the word solar, people think that these shades only work during the summer word "solar," people think that these shades only work during the summer. This is not true; not only can solar shades keep heat out, but they can also trap it. During the winter, the solar shades can help maintain warmer indoor temperatures, which in turn will reduce your energy bill because you won’t need to turn up the heat to stay warm.

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If you are looking for a way to improve the comfort, style, and energy efficiency of your home or office, then consider interior solar shade fabrics from Sun Control. They are a great way to reduce glare, heat, and UV rays, and they add a touch of elegance to your home or office. Get in contact with us today to learn more.

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