Summer in Alberta hits fast. One week you’re still wearing a jacket, the next you’re reaching for the thermostat. Before your A/C runs non-stop all season, it’s worth looking at one of the most overlooked ways to keep your home comfortable — your window coverings.
The right coverings on the right windows can reduce heat from entering your home by up to 45%. That means less work for your A/C, lower energy bills, and a home that stays cooler even on the hottest days.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The best window coverings for blocking heat
Blackout curtains
Blackout curtains block both light and heat from the sun, making them one of the most effective options for rooms that get direct afternoon sun.
Best for: Bedrooms, west-facing rooms, spaces that get uncomfortably hot in the afternoon.
Cellular shades
Cellular shades have rows of hollow cells that trap air between the window and your room. That trapped air acts as insulation, slowing heat transfer in summer and keeping warmth during winter.
Best for: Year-round energy efficiency, any room where you want a clean, minimal look.
Solar shades
Solar shades cut heat and glare while still keeping the room bright. Look at the openness factor — a number that tells you how tightly the fabric is woven.
Best for: Living rooms, home offices, any room where you want natural light without the heat.
Venetian and horizontal blinds
Standard horizontal blinds are a practical and affordable option. Tilt the slats upward to reflect heat toward the ceiling rather than into the room.
Best for: Any room, as a practical everyday option.
Exterior shading
Exterior shading is the most effective heat-blocking option available because it stops solar heat before it ever reaches the glass. Awnings, exterior shutters, and shade screens will get the job done.
Best for: Large windows, patios, homes with significant solar heat gain on south or west-facing walls.
How window coverings affect your energy bill
Every bit of heat you keep out is heat your A/C doesn’t have to remove. That means less runtime, lower energy use, and a longer lifespan for your cooling system. During peak summer in Alberta, a home with good window coverings can reduce how often the A/C kicks on.
That said, window coverings work best when your HVAC system is also running efficiently. A poorly maintained A/C will struggle regardless of how well your windows are covered.
If your system hasn't been serviced recently, a professional tune-up before the heat of summer is worth the investment.
Frequently asked questions about window coverings
Do window coverings actually make a noticeable difference in home temperature?
Yes. Closing coverings on sun-facing windows during peak hours can reduce heat gain by up to 45%. On a hot Alberta afternoon, that’s a meaningful difference in how comfortable your home stays and how hard your A/C has to work.
What is the most energy-efficient window covering?
Cellular shades are one of the most energy‑efficient options out there, thanks to their built‑in air pockets that act like insulation, keeping heat out in summer and warmth in during winter.
Blackout curtains are a strong runner‑up, especially when it comes to blocking summer heat.
What colour window coverings are best for keeping heat out?
Light colours like white, cream, or light grey, reflect more heat than dark colours. For even better results, choose a light-coloured covering with a white or reflective backing facing the window.
Should I keep my blinds closed all day in summer?
On south and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day, yes. Close them in the late morning before direct sun hits and reopen in the evening. North-facing windows need far less attention since they get very little direct sun.
Can window coverings replace air conditioning in Alberta?
Not entirely, but good window coverings significantly reduce how hard your A/C has to work, which means lower bills and a more comfortable home. They work best as a team.
Is exterior shading worth the investment?
If you have large south or west-facing windows that bring in a lot of heat, exterior shading keeps the heat where it belongs, outside – making it one of the most effective investments you can make.
How do I know which windows to prioritize?
Start with south and west-facing windows — they get the most direct sun and heat. East-facing windows warm up in the morning but cool down by midday. North-facing windows get very little direct sun and are the lowest priority.
How does my A/C factor into all of this?
Window coverings reduce the load on your A/C, but your system still needs to be in good shape to do its job efficiently. A dirty filter, low refrigerant, or an unmaintained unit will underperform regardless of how well your windows are covered. An annual tune-up keeps your system running at peak efficiency through the hottest months.
