Summers in New York City are actually rough. The tall buildings trap heat. Concrete streets absorb the sun all day and release it at night. Small apartments without strong air conditioning often feel like ovens. Many people look for affordable ways to keep their homes cooler. One question often comes up: Do blackout shades help with heat?
The short answer is yes, but there’s more to it. Let’s discuss this in detail.
How Blackout Shades Reduce Heat
Blackout shades act like a shield between your apartment and the sun. Here’s how they help:
- Block sunlight before it spreads: The fabric stops the rays from hitting your floors, walls, and furniture. That keeps surfaces cooler.
- Trap a layer of air: When shades are closed tightly, they create a pocket of air between the fabric and the glass. This layer slows down heat transfer.
- Reflective backing: Some blackout shades come with a white or reflective backing. This bounces sunlight back outside before it even enters.
By combining these effects, blackout shades can lower the indoor temperature by several degrees. That may not sound like much, but in a small NYC apartment, it makes a huge difference.
Comparing Blackout Shades to Other Window Treatments
It’s fair to ask: Why blackout shades instead of regular curtains or blinds?
- Regular curtains: Thin curtains block glare but not heat. Sunlight still passes through the fabric and warms the room.
- Mini blinds: These let in small beams of light. They reduce brightness but not the actual heat load.
- Thermal curtains: These are heavy drapes with insulation. They work well but can feel bulky in small NYC spaces.
Blackout shades strike a good balance. They’re sleek, fit close to the window, and block both light and heat without taking up much space.
Also Read: What Are Solar Shades and How Do They Work?
How Much Heat Do Blackout Shades Block?
The exact number depends on shade quality and installation. A tightly fitted blackout shade can block up to 90–95% of sunlight and heat. But if there are gaps at the sides or bottom, more heat slips in.
That’s why many experts recommend pairing blackout shades with side channels or sealing strips. This creates a snug fit and stops leaks.
In practice, most NYC renters notice a room feels cooler within an hour of pulling the shades down.
Year-Round Benefits of Blackout Shades
The great thing about blackout shades is that they’re not just for summer. In winter, they help in the opposite way. Instead of keeping heat out, they help keep warmth in.
When the shades are closed at night, they slow down heat loss through the glass. This makes apartments more comfortable and reduces heating costs.
So while most people buy them for summer, they end up saving money in every season.
Tips for Choosing Blackout Shades in NYC
If you’re thinking about getting blackout shades, here are a few tips:
- Look for quality fabric. Cheap shades may block some light but not much heat. Thicker fabric with a thermal lining works best.
- Check the fit. Shades that leave gaps won’t perform well. Choose inside-mounted shades that cover the whole window frame, or add side tracks.
- Pick a lighter exterior color. Dark shades absorb more heat. If the side facing the window is white or reflective, you’ll get better results.
- Ease of use matters. In NYC, you may want to open shades during cooler times for fresh air. Choose cordless or motorized options if convenience is key.
- Think about style. Blackout shades come in Roller, Roman, and cellular designs. Pick one that suits your apartment’s look.
Common Concerns
Some people hesitate to buy blackout shades. Here are a few common worries:
Will they make my room too dark?
Yes, when closed, they block almost all light. But you can open them anytime. Many people love the option of total darkness for sleep.
Are they hard to install?
Not really. Most shades come with simple brackets. A basic drill is usually all you need.
Are they expensive?
Prices vary. A basic roller blackout shade can cost under $50. Higher-end motorized versions can run several hundred dollars. In most cases, the energy savings pay for them over time.
Install Blackout Shades To Help With The Heat in NYC
New York summers can turn apartments into saunas, especially with large windows and constant sun. Installing blackout shades will help you stay cool even in summer. These shades block harsh sunlight, reduce heat transfer, and help cut down energy bills by easing the load on your AC.Â
At Manhattan Shades, we provide expert installation of high-quality blackout shades designed to fit your windows perfectly. Whether you live in a high-rise or a brownstone, our solutions keep your home cooler and more comfortable all year round. Call us today to schedule your installation.
