Solar blinds let the light in, while functioning as energy saving insulation

We’ve talked about how an easy way to tap into free solar energy is to utilize passive solar design.  No need to install solar panels when you can simply make minor changes to manage the amount of sunlight entering your home or office during certain times of the day or year.

Solar blinds, also known as insulating window panels, are an affordable home improvement project that can help you save 40% or more on annual heating and cooling bills!  No wonder they are Energy Star-rated.

Custom Climate Control Solar Blinds provide an environmentally friendly energy saving system that is beneficial any time of the year.  By functioning as insulation, they help regulate indoor temperature no matter what outdoor conditions are like.

Because windows are the most susceptible part of the building envelope to heat extremes, insulating window panels can minimize unnecessary swings in temperature inside your home.

Toronto Solar Blinds offers customized insulating window panels.  From consultation to design to installation, this company does it all!  As for the blinds themselves?  Here’s a brief summary of their functions in both hot and cold months of the year:

Solar Blinds function in summer

In the summer:

• Solar blinds keep heat out and cool air in
• Stop furniture and flooring fading caused by UV rays
• Reduce need for air conditioning
• Block up to 92% of harmful UV rays
• Reduce solar heat gain by 68%

In the winter:

• Blinds absorb sunlight and convert it into interior radiant heat
• Increase insulation value of windows by R10
• Reduce night time thermal heat loss
• Reduce condensation and ice build up
• Stop up to 71% of cold air infiltration

Even if you don’t purchase specially-designed Climate Control Solar Blinds, you can still capture some of the same passive solar energy benefits by properly opening and closing your own drapes or blinds.  Southern-facing windows should be shielded during summer months.  Over the winter, you’ll want to allow sunlight in to help warm the house during the day, but close the window coverings in the morning and evening to trap heat indoors.

Do you use passive solar energy techniques to cut down on heating and cooling bills?  What works best for you?