Storytime! Way back in the halcyon days of 2014, my husband and I purchased our first home together - and we made darn sure it was as eco-friendly of a home as we could afford. The layout suited our lifestyle perfectly, and the abundance of windows allowed plenty of natural light to flood in, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Our cats especially enjoyed basking in the warm sunlight by the windows.

However, there was one major drawback - the intense sunlight made it uncomfortable to be near the windows. Downstairs, several sitting areas were unusable due to the heat. The guest room became uncomfortably warm, and the upstairs game room was too bright in the evenings, making half the space difficult to use.

Enter Dan White's Screens and Things! After a thorough and efficient window cleaning by Gwyndows, we installed 90% UV-blocking solar screens on all our west-facing windows - and the difference was remarkable! Unlike solar film, these screens prevent the sun’s heat and UV rays from reaching the glass in the first place. The home remains just as bright, but the overwhelming glare and heat are gone. The guest room stays cooler, the sitting areas are now comfortable, and the AC no longer has to work overtime in the summer.

In the photos above, the solar screen is installed on the left, west-facing window. While our cats may have preferred the direct sunlight, we certainly appreciate having a more livable space. Plus, our energy bills dropped significantly!

Though the cost of the screens may take a couple of years to pay off, the improved comfort and usability of our home make it well worth the investment. Installing solar screens has been one of the most subtle yet impactful upgrades we've made to our home.