Being smart about how you keep your house cool during summer encompasses not just the obvious options, such as air-conditioning and fans, but also clever approaches to insulation and window coverings.
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According to Luxaflex, colour and control will be top of mind when it comes to window coverings this summer. “Maximising living space with a seamless indoor-outdoor transition has been a key trend over the last year, and shows no signs of slowing down this summer,” says Jenny Brown, national marketing manager for Luxaflex Window Fashions.
According to Brown, outdoor awnings are popular as they provide advanced sun protection and airflow, while providing the added benefit of helping to maintain your home’s internal temperature. She say the current trend says people coordinating their awning colour with the house’s exterior.
When selecting an awning it’s important to note that the colour of the awning will impact the heat and glare. “Darker colours are best for reducing glare, whereas lighter colours are more effective for heat control,” says Brown “Contemporary awnings look fantastic on the modern home, however the ‘timeless’ collection of awnings suit more traditional architectural styles.”
As Australians continue to switch to smart home automation at record pace, people are also investing in motorisation for larger awnings. Luxaflex’s PowerView motorisation gives homeowners the option of scheduling their window coverings to lower exactly when they want, which means substantial savings on a home’s cooling bills.
“By scheduling your awnings to lower as you leave for work in the morning, you can actively help maintain a cool indoor temperature in your home,” says Brown. “External awnings are particularly beneficial on west and east facing windows, where you get the full force of early morning and afternoon sun.”