Summer heat in Illinois can have a significant impact on energy bills due to increased reliance on air conditioning and the need to cool homes. It can be hard to keep homes cool with the high humidity and sun filtering in through the windows. With the right custom window treatment, homeowners can take control of their energy bills by lowering the cost to cool their homes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of sunlight that hits standard double-pane windows enters the home as heat during cooling season, so the right window coverings can make a real difference.
What Causes Energy Bills to Rise in The Summer?
With rising temperatures, homeowners tend to rely heavily on air conditioning systems to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Prolonged use of air conditioning units during hot days can lead to higher energy consumption and increased energy bills. In older or poorly insulated homes, hot outdoor air can seep into the living spaces, causing the air conditioning system to work harder to maintain desired temperatures. Inadequate insulation, air leaks, and inefficient windows can contribute to energy loss, forcing cooling systems to run longer and consume more energy.
In some areas around Troy, Edwardsville, and Glen Carbon utility companies implement peak demand pricing during the summer months. This means that electricity rates may be higher during certain hours when the demand for electricity is at its highest in Madison County, typically during hot afternoons and evenings. If homeowners use electricity during these peak hours, it can result in increased energy costs.
To combat the impact of summer heat on energy bills in Madison County, homeowners can take a few different measures. These include optimizing the use of air conditioning by setting thermostats at higher temperatures when no one is home, using fans to circulate cool air, ensuring proper insulation and sealing off windows and doors. Homeowners can also consider energy-efficient upgrades such as installing custom blinds or shades to block direct sunlight and reduce energy consumption.
How Custom Window Treatments Can Lower Energy Bills in Troy IL
Custom blinds can help keep your home cooler by providing effective heat and sunlight control. Many newer options allow for the option to adjust the amount of light filtering through as well. Here are a few ways these window treatments can help:
- Light and heat blocking: Custom blinds are designed to fit your windows precisely, ensuring a snug fit that minimizes gaps and prevents sunlight from shining into the room. By blocking direct sunlight, they reduce the amount of heat that enters your home, keeping it cooler and more comfortable.
- Insulation: Custom blinds with insulating properties can provide an additional layer of insulation between the window and the room. This helps to reduce heat transfer through the window, keeping the indoor temperature cooler and more consistent.
- Solar heat gain reduction: Some custom blinds come with special coatings or materials that reflect solar heat, preventing it from penetrating the window and heating up the interior. These blinds effectively reduce solar heat gain, minimizing the need for excessive air conditioning and lowering energy costs.
- Adjustable light control: Custom blinds offer the flexibility to adjust the amount of light entering your home. By tilting the slats or adjusting the blinds, you can control the amount of sunlight and heat that enters the room. This allows you to keep the blinds partially closed during the hottest parts of the day to block excessive heat while still allowing natural light in.
Custom blinds give you control over how much light and heat enters each room throughout the day.
Pro Tip
Close your blinds on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest hours of the day (typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) to cut down on heat gain without sacrificing natural light from other windows. Even a partial tilt can make a noticeable difference in how hard your AC has to work.
What Types of Blinds and Shades Block The Summer Heat?
Several types of blinds and shades are designed specifically to keep your home cooler by blocking sunlight and reducing heat gain. Here are a few options you can choose from when you utilize BlindQuest services:
Cellular or Honeycomb Shades
These shades are constructed with a series of honeycomb-shaped air pockets that provide excellent insulation. They trap air within the cells, creating a barrier that helps to prevent heat transfer from outside. Cellular shades are highly effective at reducing solar heat gain and maintaining a cooler indoor temperature. If you’re curious about more energy-efficient blinds and shades, we’ve covered that topic in depth as well.
Roller Shades with Solar-Reflective Fabric
Roller shades made from solar-reflective or light-filtering fabrics are designed to block out a significant amount of sunlight while allowing diffused light to enter the room. The reflective properties of these fabrics help to repel solar heat, keeping your home cooler. You might also want to learn more about whether roller shades are energy efficient for different seasons.
Roman Shades with Thermal Backing
Roman shades can be equipped with a thermal backing material, which adds insulation and helps to block both heat and cold air from entering or escaping through the windows. This type of shading can keep your home cooler during hot weather and also contribute to energy savings.
Wooden or Faux Wood Blinds
Blinds made from wood or faux wood slats can effectively block sunlight and reduce heat gain. They provide a classic and natural look while providing insulation and control over light and heat. Wondering what faux wood actually is? Our guide on what faux wood is and how it compares breaks it all down.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are specifically designed to block harmful UV rays and reduce glare while maintaining outward visibility. They come in various openness levels, allowing you to choose the desired amount of light and heat control. Solar shades can significantly reduce heat gain, making them an excellent option for keeping your home cooler.
| Window Treatment | Heat Blocking | Natural Light | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular / Honeycomb Shades | Excellent | Moderate (diffused) | Maximum insulation |
| Roller Shades (Solar-Reflective) | Very Good | Good (filtered) | Open floor plans, large windows |
| Roman Shades (Thermal Backing) | Very Good | Low when closed | Bedrooms, formal spaces |
| Wood / Faux Wood Blinds | Good | Adjustable | Classic look, humidity-prone rooms |
| Solar Shades | Good to Very Good | High (view-through) | UV protection, maintaining views |
Solar shades let you enjoy the view while keeping the summer heat at bay.
BlindQuest Helps Beat The Heat With Custom Shades & Blinds
By effectively managing sunlight, heat, and insulation, custom blinds contribute to a cooler and more energy-efficient home. They offer a practical and stylish solution to maintain a comfortable indoor space during hot weather while reducing reliance on air conditioning.
When selecting blinds or shades to keep your home cooler, consider factors such as material, insulation properties, and light control features. Consult with a window treatment professional, like the team at BlindQuest to determine the best option for your specific needs and preferences. Call them at (618) 617-6600 or visit their website to setup an appointment!
We proudly serve homeowners across Madison County and the surrounding Metro East communities.
Ready to Beat the Summer Heat?
The team at BlindQuest can help you find the perfect window treatments to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills in check. Book your free on-site consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do blinds really help keep a house cool in the summer?
Yes. Window coverings like cellular shades, solar shades, and blinds with reflective or insulating properties can reduce the amount of heat entering through your windows. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that about 76% of sunlight hitting standard double-pane windows becomes indoor heat, so proper window treatments make a measurable difference.
Which type of blind is best for blocking heat?
Cellular or honeycomb shades are typically the most effective at blocking heat because their air-pocket construction provides excellent insulation. Solar shades and roller shades with reflective fabric are also strong choices, especially for rooms where you want to maintain an outward view.
Can window treatments lower my energy bills?
Absolutely. Energy-efficient window treatments reduce the workload on your air conditioning system by limiting how much solar heat enters your home. The exact savings depend on factors like the type of covering, how it’s used, and your local climate, but many homeowners notice a difference in their monthly bills during peak summer months.
Does BlindQuest offer consultations for choosing the right window treatments?
Yes. BlindQuest offers free on-site consultations where our team visits your home to assess your windows, discuss your goals, and recommend the best options for your space. You can book a consultation through our website or by calling (618) 617-6600.
