Do Roller Shades Reflect Heat?
When managing indoor temperatures and energy efficiency, roller shades play a crucial role in heat control. But not all roller shades are created equal. KOOLBLACK® technology by Mermet USA has revolutionized the traditional roller shade by enhancing its ability to reflect heat on dark shades, making it ideal for homes and businesses facing the sun. How much of a difference do roller shades make? Let’s dive in.
Light vs Dark Traditional Roller Shades
Understanding the benefits of light and dark shades helps you make smarter choices for your space. Whether you want better heat control or a clearer view, knowing how each color performs ensures that you will get the perfect balance of comfort and functionality.
Heat Reflection: Light vs Dark Shades
Light shades reflect more heat than dark shades because of how they interact with sunlight. Light colors reflect most of the light and heat that hits them, bouncing away from the room which keeps the space cooler.
On the other hand, dark shades absorb most of the sunlight and heat, trapping it on the inside. While dark shades are great for blocking light, they don’t do as well at keeping the heat out as white shades do. That’s why, in hotter climates, white or lighter-colored shades are usually more effective for reducing heat. White shades will also allow more light into the room than dark shades.
View-through: Light vs Dark Shades
Black shades provide a better view-through than white shades because they absorb light instead of reflecting it. When light hits white shades, it bounces off and creates glare, which makes it harder to see through.
Black shades, however, absorb the light, reducing glare and making the view outside look sharper and more defined, almost looking through lightly tinted sunglasses. So, while white shades might reflect more heat, black shades give you a clearer, crisper view of the outside world.
What is KOOLBLACK® technology?
KOOLBLACK® technology enhances the ability of dark-colored yarns to reflect up to 33% more heat than other dark-colored shades. Which makes them the perfect choice for windows facing eastern and western exposures. The KOOLBLACK® technology is infused into every piece of yarn, allowing it to work both ways, without a front or back side.
The KOOLBLACK® technology allows you to enjoy the benefits of both traditional white and black shades. Enjoy the view-through of a black shade and the heat reflection of a white shade- all wrapped in one product.
Choosing the right shades
KOOLBLACK® technology is unmatched, but it comes with a slightly higher price tag. That’s why we at SunCoast Blinds recommend investing in KOOLBLACK® shades for any windows facing east or west, while traditional shades can be used for your north- and south-facing windows. To the eye, there is no difference between the design of a traditional shade versus the KOOLBLACK® shades, allowing you to mix and match throughout your home.
KOOLBLACK® E-screen shades by Mermet USA come in 1%, 3%, and 5% opacity (read more about opacity here) and five dark color options.
Schedule a consultation with an expert to find your perfect shades today!