How to Use Shade to Keep Heat Out of Your Home

Tired of the sun heating up your home and driving up your energy bills?

Ahh. The sun’s great on those nice and comfortable days. But it’s a bit of a nemesis on the hotter ones.

So, here’s some simple ways to keep the sun out and your energy bills low, just as you like them:

1. Window Awnings

Out of all the tips on this list, this one saves you the most money the fastest. Add awnings to your south and west windows (and your east too if you have the budget).

50-75 years ago there used to be services which came to your house and did this for you. Then they’d take your awnings down in the winter too.

But alas…no more!

Awnings also protect your furniture from UV damage. So, that’s a nice bonus too.

2. Pergolas

These simple arched structures look absolutely beautiful…and they can provide your home with nice shade too.

They work especially well for larger windows. Trained climbing and trailing plants grow up the sides and over the top to increase shade and decoration.

These don’t have to be expensive. However, you can certainly customize to a great degree if you’d like.

3. Blinds and Curtains

These again don’t need to be expensive. And, when you search online services, you’ll find ones which offer free shipping and free returns.

So, you don’t have to worry about making a mistake in measurement or being disappointed with the color of the blind or how it works.

4. Plant Your Favorite Deciduous Trees

With this one, you have to exercise great caution. Planting the wrong deciduous tree too close to your home could result in limbs falling on your home or roots causing cracks in your foundation.

You can totally do this without problems. But you have to do your research or talk with a professional so you don’t make any disastrous mistakes.

Deciduous trees’ leaves block the sun in the summer. And since their leaves fall off in the fall, they let the sun through during the winter when you need its help heating your home.

So yeah. Those are simple (and cost-effective) ways to keep the sun out of your home. You might be surprised with your total savings once all’s said and done.