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SHADE SCREENS vs. WINDOW FILMS: A wake up call for saving energy

First, a small note on understanding infrared heat energy. Keep this in mind when deciding which product to install on your home: Infrared heat energy can either be absorbed or reflected. Once absorbed it changes from infra red heat to energy consuming convective or conductive heat. This is what happens when using a shade screen or wood shutters. One would think (and it seems logical), that putting something outside the window will prevent the unwanted transfer of heat through the glass. Key word in this statement is "seems logical". Logical to the point we purchased a shade screen company, all the colored framework, screens and fixtures. The first installation was on my own home in Phoenix where I have two large 5'x5' West facing windows so the highest performing (most dense screen), was used to address heat gain.

Using our infrared camera inside my home one day I happened to bump the camera which moved the image to the two front windows with the shade screens. A landscaping worker knocked off one of the support brackets for one of the screens a week prior so one window had a shade screen and one did not. Much to my surprise, the window with the shade screen was significantly hotter! I readjusted and focused the camera thinking there must be something wrong with the calibration but further testing using a pocket thermometer illustrated a temperature of 132F between the screen and the glass. Fact: Shade screens, especially the high percentage black screens, are solar ovens and will increase energy use.

You have two options:
1) Move the screen out away from the window using longer screws and bushings as seen in the photos below.

2) A better option I feel is the installation of a quality window film which keeps heat out during the summer, heat in during the winter, cuts out most of the UV and infrared heat and actually improves the view outside the window.
A reflective film changes the direction of the incoming infrared heat and therefore does not absorb it. The results are cooler rooms, a better view and NO maintenance.

Measure yourself, cut out the middleman and save $$$!!
First step: Determine which windows you need to have treated. (these would be windows with direct solar gain or windows with background infrared heat as in close to block wall, concrete or desert landscaping especially with rocks).
Next: Measure the chosen windows from side to side and top to bottom. Measure each pane and document ie: