Play | Download (Right Click, Save As...)

Solar heat gain from windows is a big issue this time of year so it’s important to know how to minimize it. One option is to install energy-efficient low-e windows. Low-e refers to a coating on the glass that reflects heat back to its source so the summer sun’s heat stays outside instead of heating up your home. Adding interior wood shutters or two-inch-wide wooden Venetian blinds will also block some heat if you keep them closed when the sun’s on them. That, of course, obscures the view but one option that doesn’t is thermal window film which can be easily applied to the interior surface of the windows. Depending on the level of tinting, you might not even know it’s there, except for the cooling effect on your home.