Windows offer more than just your view of the world; they also let sunlight flood into your home to lighten your day. You may get more than you hoped for in Florida, as sunlight penetrating windows can really heat things by admitting solar radiant heat. Fortunately, there are ways to combat excessive heat entering your home without giving up your beautiful view.

Windows allow for views of nature, allow natural light to permeate the space displacing the need for electric lighting energy, and making a room feel larger than it is. Whether you are building a new home or updating windows in your existing home, there are things you can do to make those windows more efficient, mitigating heat excesses, saving energy and money.

Windows account for almost half the heat gain in a home during the summer. It is more energy efficient to block the sunlight before it enters the home through a window than trying to cool down a space after it has already been heated.

Shade
The placement of shade screens, awnings, trees, shrubs, window tints, or films on the outside of all sun-struck windows can reduce air conditioning costs by 25 percent. Selections come in a variety of price points with decorative variations.

Window Coverings
When selecting window coverings, be cognizant of the shading coefficient. The more effective a material is at blocking the sun, the lower the shading coefficient.

Draperies and Blinds
The use of draperies and blinds are a convenient way to block heat from entering the home. Perhaps one of the most straightforward means of keeping a room cool. Everything from breezy panels to wooden shutters allow you to admit as much or as little light as you like.

Window Placement
When selecting the placement of windows in your home, take the time to note that the sun rises just north of east and sets just north of west during the summer. Through design and orientation, you can minimize window exposures.

Talk to your custom home builder about which energy-saving window options will work best for your new home construction.