Namoi Valley Independent

Beat summer heat with outdoor blinds

PROACTIVE APPROACH: Stopping the heat of the sun from entering your home in the first place is much better than letting it in and then trying to cool your house down afterwards.
PROACTIVE APPROACH: Stopping the heat of the sun from entering your home in the first place is much better than letting it in and then trying to cool your house down afterwards.

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.

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 homes internal temperature. She say the current trend says people coordinating their awning colour with the houses exterior.

BLOCKOUT: Luxaflexs Evo Awnings range are designed for harsh UV and Australia's weather conditions, and provide the ideal balance between style and functionality.
BLOCKOUT: Luxaflexs Evo Awnings range are designed for harsh UV and Australia's weather conditions, and provide the ideal balance between style and functionality.

When selecting an awning its 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. Luxaflexs PowerView Motorisation gives homeowners the option of scheduling their window coverings to lower exactly when they want, which means substantial savings on a homes 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.

CLEVER TECHNOLOGY: PowerView Motorisation is a home automation system that enables you to lower the blinds or awnings at the touch of a button.
CLEVER TECHNOLOGY: PowerView Motorisation is a home automation system that enables you to lower the blinds or awnings at the touch of a button.