How To Keep Your Home Cool In The Summer: The Easy Solution That Saved Us A Ton
As summer finally arrives, the roar of air conditioners becomes a constant companion. While I relish the sunshine, lake days, and sun-kissed skin, living in the Midwest means enduring sweltering heatwaves. The heat index soars, making it a daily struggle to keep our home cool, not to mention the strain on our air conditioning systems.
Our home boasts seven large west-facing windows that line the back of our main living area (living kitchen and dining room).
During our initial tour, the realtor opened the blinds, bringing the space to life. We were smitten with their beauty, but little did we know they would become a summer conundrum.
In our first summer in this home, we quickly realized that those stunning windows would make keeping our home cool a daunting task. We tried everything from living in darkness by never opening the blinds to air conditioner tune-ups, but nothing seemed to work.
Leaving the blinds shut did provide some relief, yet it was no match for the Oklahoma sun’s intense rays.
After two summers of battling the heat, I finally decided to explore window tinting options. The quote I received – $1400 – was steep, and with numerous updates pending, I couldn’t justify the expense.
Fast-forward a few weeks, and while browsing my local store, I stumbled upon Coolaroo Roller Shades.
Throughout my life, I’ve noticed homes using them, but never considered them for our windows. The packaging touted benefits like blocking 90% of UV rays, light filtering, and energy efficiency – exactly what we needed.
After discussing the pros and cons, we realized the worst-case scenario was losing $200 if the shades didn’t work as promised. We decided to take the plunge, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions.
We noticed a difference almost immediately!!
As I walked by the windows without shades, I could almost feel the heat emanating from them. The experience was a stark contrast to what happened once the shades were installed – not a hint of warmth remained! My concerns about window tint went beyond just aesthetics; as an avid plant parent, I had large fiddle leaf fig trees situated in front of the windows that I had nurtured with care. Losing these stunning plants was unthinkable, having invested so much time and effort into their well-being.
Moreover, I didn’t want to invest in permanent window tint only to find my plants struggling to thrive under its filtered light. Thankfully, this product offers a solution that addresses both concerns – providing the perfect balance between style, functionality, and plant health. As always, rest assured that this post is an honest review, with no affiliation or sponsorship involved. For your shopping convenience, you’ll find affiliate links within this article, at no additional cost to you.
So as excited as I was that the shades seemed to block the heat I wanted to use it for a while before posting about it for a few reasons.
A.) Wait until we were well into the 90-100 degree days.
B.) I could honestly say if my plants liked it or not.
With two months having passed since my initial installation, I’m thrilled to report that the shades have had a profoundly positive impact on my home’s comfort level. The relentless Oklahoma heat during those weeks would normally leave me feeling frazzled and desperate for relief. However, with these trusty shades in place, I’ve been able to regulate the temperature and ambiance of each room to perfection.
To give you full details here are the things I love about the Coolaroo roller shades and a few things that I don’t.
Pros
The installation process was remarkably straightforward, with Wayne handling the first one solo. Having a second person present during the installation of the second shade proved beneficial. For optimal results, consider having two individuals assist.
It’s immediately apparent how effectively these shades block heat, as our windows no longer radiate excessive warmth.
The ability to easily roll them up when pleasant weather returns or during inclement conditions like rainstorms or strong winds is a significant plus. While we’ve left ours down for extended periods without issue, we did experience some minor noise from the shade pressing against the window. Notably, these shades have withstood the test of time well.
Our plants seem to thrive in the absence of harsh UV rays, which has been particularly beneficial since installing the shades.
I attribute their continued health to the way the shades filter the intense sunlight, providing a more favorable environment.
The manufacturer offers shades in various sizes to accommodate different window dimensions. We opted for the 8′ x 8′ version due to our specific needs, but they also provide options starting from 4′ x 8′ and extending up to 6′ x 6′.
Cons
(Fabric Close Up)
The experiences I’ve had with the Coolaroo Roller Shades have far outshone any drawbacks, including my personal struggles with genetics. While our home may not be as bright, the benefits of maintaining a consistent 69-degree temperature and being able to shut off the air conditioner without overheating are significant advantages. In fact, I believe the results surpass those achieved through window tinting, which can be permanent and limiting.
The cost-effective solution offered by Coolaroo Shades is a major draw, as we won’t be locked into an irreversible commitment. We’re already planning to invest in new shades when these ones need replacing, and I’ll be sure to update this post once summer has passed to share our experience with how well they performed.
If you’re seeking ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank or being stuck with a permanent solution like window tint, Coolaroo Roller Shades are definitely worth considering.
