Best Window Treatments to Keep Your Sacramento Home Cool This Summer
Living in Sacramento means dealing with our hot summers and cooler winters. Many homeowners ask us about cutting energy costs during those scorching summer months when temperatures regularly climb above 90°F. As a local window treatment expert in Sacramento, we’ve helped countless Sacramento homeowners find solutions that keep their homes cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most effective window coverings for combating Sacramento’s summer heat, helping you make an informed decision about which options might work best for your home.
Why the Right Window Treatments Can Make a Difference During Sacramento Summers
Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F. During these hot summer months, up to 30% of unwanted heat enters through your windows, forcing your air conditioning to work overtime and driving up your energy bill.
The right window treatments can:
- Block solar heat gain before it enters your home
- Reduce indoor temperatures by up to 15 degrees
- Lower cooling costs by 15-25%
- Protect furniture and flooring from UV damage and sun damage
- Maintain your view while managing light and heat
As Jessica Claveria, owner of Blinds of Sacramento, explains: “Many Sacramento homeowners don’t realize that their window coverings are their first line of defense against summer heat. The right window treatments can make a dramatic difference in both comfort and energy savings.”
Top 5 Window Treatments to Keep Your Home Cool in the Summer
1. Cellular/Honeycomb Shades: The Energy Efficiency Champions
Why they’re perfect for Sacramento summers:
Cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) are our most recommended window treatment for Sacramento homeowners concerned about energy efficiency. Their unique honeycomb-shaped cells trap air, creating an insulating barrier between the hot exterior air and your cool interior.
Key benefits:
- Superior insulation with R-values ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 (the higher the R-value, the better the insulation)
- Significantly reduce heat transfer through windows by up to 80%
- Available in single, double, or triple-cell construction for varying levels of insulation
- Some cellular shade products qualify for the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficiency
- Available in light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics
- Clean, modern appearance that complements any decor style
“Honeycomb shades are ideal for areas where insulation is important,” notes Jessica Claveria. “They can be ordered in light filtering fabrics for common areas or blackout fabrics for bedrooms that require complete darkness. These shades come in an array of fabrics and colors but will typically show white to the front of the home for a consistent exterior look.”
Learn more about our honeycomb shade options
2. Solar Shades: Perfect Balance of View and Protection
Why they’re perfect for Sacramento summers:
Solar shades are specifically designed to block heat and harmful UV rays while maintaining your view to the outside. They’re an excellent choice for rooms with scenic views or where you want to enjoy natural light without the heat.
Key benefits:
- Block up to 99% of UV rays while allowing filtered light
- Reduce glare on TV and computer screens
- Available in various openness factors (1-15%) to balance view and heat reduction
- Help reflect sunlight away from your home
- Sleek, minimalist design that works with modern or traditional homes
- Motorized options available for hard-to-reach windows
- Easy to clean and maintain
“Roller shades are timeless and versatile,” says Jessica. “They come in a wide range of fabrics from solar style screen fabrics to beautiful textiles and even blackout fabrics. They’re very attractive to consumers who need coverage for a portion of the day but prefer an open window concept during other times.”
3. Plantation Shutters: Timeless Heat Protection
Why they’re perfect for Sacramento summers:
Plantation shutters aren’t just beautiful – they’re also excellent performers in Sacramento’s hot climate. Their adjustable louvers give you precise control over light and ventilation, and their solid construction provides significant insulation benefits.
Key benefits:
- Exceptional durability and longevity (often lasting 20+ years)
- Superior insulation for heat, cold, and noise
- Adjustable louvers for precise light and airflow control
- Shutters offer a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style
- Available in various materials including wood and composite
- Potential to increase home value
“Shutters provide superior insulation for heat, cold and noise so they can help cut power bills year round, and they provide a multitude of light control and privacy options with both tilting louvers and hinging doors for opening,” explains Jessica. “Composite shutters blend beauty and strength into a single shutter and bring an affordable high-quality finish to any home.”
Discover our plantation shutter options
4. Exterior Solar Shades: Stop Heat Before It Reaches Your Windows
Why they’re perfect for Sacramento summers:
For maximum heat reduction, exterior solar shades are unbeatable. By blocking the sun’s rays before they hit your glass, these shades can dramatically reduce heat gain and create comfortable outdoor living spaces too.
Key benefits:
- Block up to 97% of solar heat gain before it enters your home
- Create comfortable, shaded patio spaces
- Protect windows from weather exposure
- Reduce glare while maintaining outward visibility
- Motorized options for convenient operation
- Weather-resistant materials for durability
- Function similarly to an awning but with a sleeker profile
“Exterior screen shades for patios are becoming increasingly popular in Sacramento,” notes Jessica. “They not only keep your home cool but also extend your living space by making patios and decks usable even during the hottest parts of summer.”
5. Window Blinds: Affordable Heat Resistance
Why they’re perfect for Sacramento summers:
Window blinds, particularly faux wood blinds, offer excellent heat resistance at a more budget-friendly price point. Their synthetic materials stand up to high temperatures without warping, making them ideal for Sacramento’s hot, dry climate.
Key benefits:
- More resistant to heat than real wood blinds
- Won’t warp, crack, or fade in high temperatures
- Available in 2″ and 2½” slat sizes for different looks
- Moisture resistant (great for kitchens and bathrooms)
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Child-safe cordless options available
“Faux wood blinds are one of our most popular options for Sacramento homes,” says Jessica. “They offer the beautiful look of wood with added durability and heat resistance at a price point that works for most budgets.”
Explore our window blind options
Maximizing Energy Savings with Smart Features
Motorization and Automation
Take your energy efficiency to the next level with motorized window treatments that can be programmed to automatically adjust throughout the day.
Benefits for Sacramento homeowners:
- Program shades to close during the hottest parts of the day, even when you’re not home
- Integrate with smart home systems and HVAC controls
- Protect furniture and flooring from sun damage
- Enhance security by creating the appearance of occupancy while away
- Convenient operation for hard-to-reach windows
- Lower your energy costs through optimized timing
“We can motorize and automize almost every product we sell,” explains Jessica. “Motorized products are easy to use, child safe, and can be automized to do all of the work so you don’t have to.”
Roman Shades: Elegant Insulation
Roman shades combine the soft look of drapery with the functionality of a shade, making them ideal for creating a warm, elegant atmosphere while still helping to insulate your home.
Benefits for Sacramento homeowners:
- Available in light-filtering to room-darkening fabrics
- Create a layer of insulation between hot exterior air and your cool interior
- Add texture and warmth to your decor
- Custom sizing for a perfect fit
- Can be lined with thermal material for enhanced energy efficiency
“Roman shades offer a softer, more elegant look than many other window treatments while still providing excellent functionality for Sacramento’s climate,” notes Jessica.
Creating a Whole-Home Strategy for Sacramento’s Climate
For maximum energy efficiency, consider a customized approach for different exposures in your Sacramento home:
South-Facing Windows
Receive the most intense sun exposure year-round in Sacramento. Prioritize these windows for maximum heat-blocking treatments like cellular shades with blackout fabrics or exterior solar shades.
West-Facing Windows
Experience harsh afternoon sun during summer months. Consider motorized options that can automatically close during peak afternoon heat to keep your home cool this summer.
East-Facing Windows
Receive morning sun that’s less intense but can still contribute to heat gain. Light-filtering cellular shades or solar shades work well here.
North-Facing Windows
Receive indirect light with minimal heat gain. These windows can use lighter treatments focused more on aesthetics and privacy than heat reduction.
Sacramento Seasonal Window Treatment Strategy
To maximize both comfort and energy savings year-round in Sacramento’s climate, consider these seasonal adjustments:
Summer (June-September):
- Close window treatments during the day, especially on south and west exposures
- Open in the evening to release trapped hot air
- Consider automated systems that adjust based on temperature or time of day
Fall/Spring (October-November & March-May):
- Use window treatments to help regulate transitional temperatures
- Adjust as needed based on daily temperature fluctuations
- Begin preparing for summer and warm weather energy efficiency needs
Winter (December-February):
- Open treatments during sunny days to capture natural solar heat
- Close at night to retain heat and reduce drafts
- Leverage the insulating properties of cellular shades and shutters
How to Choose the Right Window Treatments for Your Sacramento Home
When selecting window treatments for Sacramento’s hot summers, consider these factors:
- Window orientation – Which directions do your windows face?
- Existing insulation – How energy efficient are your windows currently?
- Aesthetic preferences – What style complements your home’s design?
- Budget considerations – What’s your investment range for long-term energy savings?
- Operation preferences – Manual, cordless, or motorized?
At Blinds of Sacramento, we understand that every Sacramento home is unique. Our free in-home consultation allows us to assess your specific needs and help you find the perfect window treatment solution for your comfortable home.
Why Sacramento Homeowners Trust Blinds of Sacramento
As a local, woman-owned business serving the Sacramento area since 2006, we understand the unique challenges our climate presents. Our owner, Jessica Claveria, has over 20 years of industry experience and a deep commitment to helping Sacramento homeowners find the best window treatments to keep their homes cool and energy-efficient.
We pride ourselves on offering:
- Free in-home consultations with design professionals
- No-pressure, personalized service
- High-quality products with limited lifetime warranties
- Expert measurement and professional installation
- Child-safe options for family homes
- Showroom located in Orangevale where you can see and touch products
FAQs About Summer Window Treatments in Sacramento
Q: What are the best window treatments to keep my home cool in Sacramento?
A: The best energy-efficient window treatments for Sacramento homes include cellular shades, solar shades, plantation shutters, exterior solar shades, and quality window blinds. The ideal window treatment depends on your specific windows, home orientation, and personal preferences.
Q: How much can energy-efficient window treatments save on cooling costs?
A: Sacramento homeowners typically see cooling cost reductions of 15-25% after installing energy-efficient window treatments like cellular shades or solar screens. The exact energy savings depend on your home’s orientation, existing windows, and usage patterns.
Q: Are there tax credits available for energy-efficient window treatments?
A: Yes! Some honeycomb shades qualify for the current year’s Federal Tax Credit due to their high insulation ratings. During your consultation, we can identify which products may qualify for energy saving window treatment credits.
Q: What’s the best option if I want to maintain my view while blocking heat?
A: Solar shades are ideal for maintaining views while reducing heat gain. They come in various “openness factors” that determine how much visibility you’ll maintain while still blocking UV rays and heat.
Q: How do I know which window treatment is best for my specific windows?
A: Our complimentary in-home consultation is the perfect way to determine the best solutions for your specific needs. We’ll assess your windows, discuss your preferences, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your Sacramento home.
Q: How do window treatments help reduce heat in my home?
A: Window treatments reduce heat in several ways: by reflecting sunlight away from your home, providing insulation that prevents heat transfer, creating a barrier that blocks UV rays, and reducing the greenhouse effect that can occur with uncovered windows. Different window coverings utilize different mechanisms to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Q: Can I customize the look of my energy-efficient window treatments?
A: Absolutely! Most energy-efficient window treatments come in a wide range of colors, materials, and styles. During your consultation, we’ll help you find options that match your decor while providing maximum energy efficiency.
Ready to beat the Sacramento heat and save on energy costs? Schedule your free in-home consultation with Blinds of Sacramento today. Our team of window treatment experts will help you find the best window treatments to keep your home cool this summer.
Call us at (916)-790-8689 or visit our showroom at 9353 Greenback Lane Ste. 9, Orangevale, CA 95662 to explore our full range of energy-efficient window treatments.
