Beat the San Fernando Valley Heat: A Guide to Solar Window Screens
The Problem: How Your Windows Cook Your Home
Standard windows let in a massive amount of solar heat gain. When unshaded south- or west-facing glass catches the blazing afternoon sun, it acts like a magnifying glass.
This causes two major issues for Los Angeles homes:
- The Greenhouse Effect: Sunlight passes through the glass, is absorbed into your drywall and furniture, and transforms into trapped radiant heat. Your AC has to work twice as hard to combat this, sending your utility bills through the roof.
- UV Bleaching: It isn’t just about heat. Raw UV rays act like a slow bleach on your interiors. Robert and Zion frequently replace screens on homes where the hardwood floors, custom drapes, and leather couches have completely faded from sun exposure.
The Science: How Phifer Solar Screening Blocks the Heat
We build our energy-saving window screens using genuine Phifer SunTex solar screening material. Unlike interior blinds or curtains that block the sun after it has already passed through your glass, exterior solar screens stop the heat outside your house.
As you can see in the diagram above, the exterior screen absorbs and dissipates the vast majority of the sun’s heat and glare before it ever has a chance to warm up the glass.
When ordering custom solar screens from us, you generally choose between two primary weaves depending on your goals:
- Phifer SunTex 80: Blocks up to 80% of the sun’s hot rays. This option offers excellent heat rejection while maintaining maximum natural airflow and a clearer view of the outside.
- Phifer SunTex 90: Blocks up to 90% of the sun’s heat and UV rays. This is the heavy-duty option we specifically recommend for punishing, unshaded west-facing windows or sliding patio doors in hot spots like Woodland Hills and Chatsworth.
Pro Tip from our Installer, Robert: “A lot of people worry that a 90% weave will make their living room dark like a cave. It doesn’t. Solar Screens act just like a pair of high-end sunglasses. It cuts the blinding midday glare entirely, gives you incredible daytime privacy from the street, but you can still see outside perfectly.”
Real Valley Results: Behind the Scenes with Robert & Zion
We don’t just sell these online; our team installs them across LA every single day. Recently, Robert and Zion wrapped up a whole-home installation on a house in Encino that had massive, unprotected west-facing windows. The homeowner’s AC was running constantly, and the front living room was completely unusable past 2:00 PM.
Aidan and I custom-built heavy-duty aluminum frames wrapped in Phifer SunTex 90 charcoal mesh at the shop, and the guys secured them directly over the existing window frames. The immediate temperature drop in that front room was noticeable within an hour. By blocking the solar energy outside, the home stayed significantly cooler, taking the massive load off their air conditioning unit.
Check out our step-by-step assembly process over on our YouTube channel, Steve Tristan’s Best, to see exactly how Aidan and I have helped people install their own for many years of Southern California weather.
Quick Checklist: Does Your Home Need Solar Screens?
Walk through your house around 3:00 PM and check for these warning signs:
- [ ] Are certain rooms noticeably warmer than the rest of the house?
- [ ] Do you have to keep your indoor blinds or curtains closed all day, ruining your natural light?
- [ ] Have you noticed your rugs, paint, or flooring starting to fade near your glass sliding doors?
- [ ] Is your AC compressor running continuously without a break?
If you checked off even two of these boxes, swapping your traditional bug screens for premium solar shading will completely change how your home feels this summer.
Get a Free Local Estimate or Order Your Custom Sizes Online
Whether you want to take advantage of our local Los Angeles measurement and installation services with Robert and Zion, or you are a DIYer looking to save money by ordering factory-direct sizes with online guidance on Steve Tristan’s Best with Aidan and Steve Tristan, we have you covered.
Don’t spend another summer letting the Valley heat drive up your electricity bills. Head over to our Solar Screens Product Page to customize your options, or reach out to us directly to request a professional on-site estimate for your home today.
