Best Solar Shades for Ohio Summers
As any Toledo native knows, our summers are hot, bright, and humid. For many, cranking up the AC is a must, and high energy bills are inevitable. Many homeowners also opt to install blackout shades on all of their windows to prevent intense heat gain and UV damage during these months.
Of course, you don’t have to turn your home into a cave to enjoy comfort, shade, and reduced energy bills. With solar shades, you can enjoy these benefits and more. Here’s why we love them and what we recommend:
Traditional Shades vs Solar Shades
When shopping for window treatments, many homeowners think that a shade is a shade. However, the world of shades is rather vast. Depending on the materials you choose, you can achieve totally different outcomes. For example, traditional light-filtering shades help diffuse a moderate amount of light while providing daytime privacy. How much light they transform depends on the fabric color you choose, such as light filtering or room darkening.
Solar shades, on the other hand, are designed to reduce glare, block UV rays, and preserve outdoor views while still allowing natural light to filter in. They are specifically designed to withstand the hot Ohio sun.
You’ll want solar shades if you deal with:
- Excessive glare on TVs, phones, or computer screens.
- Hot rooms caused by intense direct sunlight.
- UV damage to furniture, flooring, or décor.
The Best Solar Shades Will Keep Your Home Cooler
Traditional shades all provide some level of shade and, in turn, cooling effects. However, when faced with our intense summer sun, light-filtering shades may not cut it. This is especially true in south-facing rooms that typically experience the most heat gain. Solar shades take cooling to the next level. That’s because these window treatments are designed to reduce heat gain and help keep your home cool throughout the summer. By filtering sunlight before it overheats your home, solar roller shades can also help reduce energy usage and, in return, energy bills.
You’ll want solar shades if you are tired of the following:
- High energy bills even when you close your shades.
- Intense temperature swings in different rooms.
- Using fans plus your AC unit to keep your home cool.
Solar Roller Shades Will Protect Against UV Damage
Have you ever noticed that your home’s interiors look faded after constant summer sun exposure? That’s because intense sunlight can cause interiors to fade if your windows are not properly covered. High-quality solar shades block harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light to brighten your home. This protective barrier helps preserve your interiors without making your rooms feel like a dark cave.
You’ll want solar shades if you notice:
- Floors, decor, and artwork fading throughout the summer.
- Discoloration in wall paint.
- Bleached fabrics, faded upholstery, or dried-out leather furniture.
Custom Solar Shades Will Reduce Glare Without Blocking the View
Whether you’re working in your home office or trying to watch a movie, glare is always a nuisance. Solar shades for windows, fortunately, minimize harsh rays while letting you enjoy natural light. This means you can work, enjoy a movie, or look at your phone without the summer sun bouncing off your screens. This makes solar shades especially great additions to offices, media rooms, and living rooms.
You’ll want solar shades if you’re done with:
- Squinting against the sun hitting your screens.
- Sun spots or damage to screens over time.
- Difficulty seeing what is on your screen despite lowering your current shades.
Buy Solar Shades Near Toledo, OH
Whether you add them to one room or several, solar roller shades for windows are an excellent way to enjoy a comfortable home, reduced energy bills, and a glare-free summer. At Elden Draperies, Blinds, and Shades, we carry several beautiful solar roller shades, including contemporary Sonnette® Roller Shades from Hunter Douglas and polished, slim roller shades from Alta® Window Fashions. In need of custom window treatments for specific rooms in your home? We can provide that as well.
If you’re ready to get started, we are ready to connect with you! Be sure to contact us today.
We are located in Toledo, Ohio, and proudly serve Toledo, Holland, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Oregon, Millbury, Waterville, Bowling Green, Whitehouse, Maumee, Temperance, Lambertville, Curtice, Northwood, Swanton, Blissfield, Berkey, and Metamora, Ohio; and Riga, Michigan.
