Even if your HVAC system is functioning at top performance, you could unknowingly be letting your dollars fly out the window. Living in the Sunshine State means sunny skies almost year round, which is great, but it can also make keeping the sun and heat of your home challenging. Choosing the right blinds and window treatments is important if you want your house to be energy efficient. Here are some blinds and window treatments to help your Florida home keep its cool and help you save your money.

Interior Blinds

Blinds are a popular choice to block sunlight and are effective at keeping your home cooler. Although blinds have slats which will inevitably allow sunlight to leak in and heat your home, you have to freedom to adjust the amount of light and ventilation. There are lots of different styles of blinds to choose from depending on your home. Venetian blinds are a good choice and are better at blocking out sunlight than vertical blinds.

Exterior & Outdoor Blinds

A surefire way to keep your Florida home cool is to combine interior blinds with exterior or outdoor blinds. Usually made of aluminum, vinyl, steel, or wood, exterior roller blinds add an extra layer of cooling protection to your windows and can be lowered or raised anytime. In addition to exterior roller blinds, other good options to keep your home cool and energy efficient are overhangs, awnings, and shutters.

Honeycomb Shades

Honeycomb shades are another type of interior blinds and are a perfect way to keep your Florida home cool. They have a multi-layer design which traps air in between and creates a temperature wall between your windows and rooms. Honeycomb shades are some of the most energy-efficient blinds available and can keep you cool while saving you money.

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are another type of interior blind and are fitted to windows inside your home. Although they’re typically chosen for their appealing look, they are also very energy efficient and perfect for Florida homes. Plantation shutters are usually made from wood and vinyl which are both great insulators—and because plantation shutters sit snug in window frames, they easily block heat by making a barrier between your home’s interior and exterior temperatures.

Draperies

A less obvious choice to keep your home cool is draperies. Drapes are often seen as window decorations, but the flowing fabric is a good choice if you want to keep your home cool and save money. Drapes are only efficient when they’re closed, but if you use them alongside other interior or exterior blinds, you can maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Floor-length drapes are typically your best option because they will create a full-length barrier between your windows and the floor which will trap heat from the windows.

There are lots of ways your can keep your Florida home cool in addition to blinds. One of the best ways to ensure a cool and comfortable home is making sure your air conditioning system is running efficiently. If you have any questions about your HVAC system, call your local professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater!