Enjoy your view and keep cool, too.You probably enjoy the view through your windows… you can see your lawn and garden, or perhaps you have an ocean view or a sweeping panorama of the Valley Isle’s landscape. Connecting with the outdoors is part of our island lifestyle.
However, that view can come with a trade-off: Lots of heat can come in through the windows, making your living space uncomfortable. How do you keep your view, and the natural daylight, without overheating?
The best strategy is to provide some kind of shading on the outside of your window. Use natural materials, like vines on a trellis or trees, or have deep roof overhangs, so the eaves shade the window glass, even in the summer. Covered porches are one way to shade windows while adding outdoor living space.
It’s harder to shade windows on the east and west sides of your home without blocking the view, because the sun is very low at sunrise and sunset. However, shading the western windows is particularly important if you want to keep your house cool. You may need to consider a draw-down exterior shade, or special window films.
Many people use window films or tints. We see them all the time on cars. However, not all tints and films are created equal. Some just make the glass darker, but don’t stop the heat from coming in. Shop for one that is specifically designed for solar control— it will allow in enough visible light to keep your view, but stop the heat.
Read the fine print: the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) will measure how much heat is allowed through the window—the lower the number, the better. The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) indicates the fraction of visible light admitted through a window—the higher the VLT, the easier it is to see through. Films can also reduce the ultraviolet light that is admitted, which will protect your furnishings from sun damage. Films rated Energy Star will perform as energy savers and should be considered.
In partnership with the state’s energy office, the Maui Weekly provides this feature to help Valley Isle homeowners reduce their utility bills and increase their environmental awareness. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/ info/energy.