We have a large area of western facing windows in our living area which lets in heat from late morning all thr?
We have a large area of western facing windows in our living area which lets in heat from late morning all through the afternoon, resulting in a sauna. We have ceiling insulation but this does not help. We are wondering is it better to get the whole wall of windows tinted for heat reduction or to have external shades/awnings put in? If so, which would type of awning/ shade would be best? Please help, got some advice that tinting windows is best then told that by others that external shading would be better. Would really appreciate your response.
Suggestion:
Install a reflective film for a start, then also install shades. Neither is entirely effective on its own, but both together can make a significant difference. If you must choose one over another, go with shades or awnings that may be retracted in the winter.
My vote is shade. My only experience is Arizona summers. If you leave a car with tinted windows in the sun, it still gets extremely hot. However, if you park a "non-tinted" car in the shade you’re totally fine.
It makes sense to me that the less energy you have striking the windows in the first place, the better off you’ll be.
Good luck!
References :
Suggestion:
Install a reflective film for a start, then also install shades. Neither is entirely effective on its own, but both together can make a significant difference. If you must choose one over another, go with shades or awnings that may be retracted in the winter.
References :
2.5 years working in Saudi Arabia – yes, we did _both_.
Sam is right about the Arizona sun! Out here you shade as much of your home as you can in the summer.
Depending on where you live, I would go with a retractable awning. This would protect your home from heat in the summer but you would still be able to utilize passive heat in the winter.
I know if I could afford it I’d do it in a heartbeat…
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