September 19, 2022
In this blog entry, the Florida blackout shade installation service experts here at Design Your Blind will detail how the direction that your home (and its windows) face in impact your household’s comfort, energy usage, monthly bills – and, of course – window treatments.
Southern facing homes usually have higher energy bills in the Summer, as direct sunlight from the South often causes heat to build, making air conditioners work harder. By the same token Southern facing homes are often warmer in the Winter. The opposite is also true – Northern facing homes are cool in the Summer, but often dark and cold in the Winter. If your home isn’t mainly pointed towards one of the main directions on the compass, the sun will hit it from different angles. Different window treatments should be considered for different windows based on the directions that they face.
Southern facing windows get lots of natural light, but the amount of light really depends on whether there is an overhang, a porch, or trees that block or filter the sunlight. Based on how much light you’d like to let into the house, you can choose roller shades in a number of different opacities. This window treatment can help you block UV rays that can damage your furniture, while also allowing sunlight to enter your home. You can easily choose an opacity or color that will let you see outside even when shades are down. Southern facing houses are comfortable in the Winter. Adding shades can give you the option to enjoy warm sunlight during the colder months. However, this can also make your room too hot or too bright during the Summer. Make sure to consult a window treatment expert to decide the best possible window treatment for South facing windows.
North facing windows shave natural light that lasts all day, but never relieve direct sunlight. We recommend installing lighter hued decorations and window treatments in North facing rooms in order to maximize the effect of this natural light.
East facing windows get a ton of sun in the early morning – to even an incredibly bright level that can wake you up – and the light gradually gets more gentle and diffused as the day drags on. We recommend installing lighter colors and decor – and sheer window treatments – to highlight the soft sunlight. If your bedroom, however, is in an East facing room, we recommend installing room darkening or blackout curtains to block the harsh sunrise from waking you up at first crow (that is, unless you’d like to be woken up at sunrise!)
Energy efficient shades and blinds utilize layers of specialized fabric to increase insulation and light control. This helps keep homes cooler in the Summer and warmer in the Winter. There’s tons of options for energy efficient window choices – even for South facing windows – in varieties like shades, drapes, shutters, or blinds. Window shades can provide a great level of light control and insulation – especially when matched with floor-to-ceiling drapes. Woven wooden shades are best matched with rustic interior design, and Roman shades fantastically match homey areas like dining nooks. For those concerned about furniture and decor getting damaged from ultraviolet rays, solar rays that block UV light and glare (while still allowing some sunlight in) are a great option. UV resistant window film allows for an obstructed view out your window while still protecting decor and furniture from 99% of UV rays.