Ottawa summers have a way of sneaking up on homeowners. One week it’s pleasant; the next, it’s humid and sticky, and suddenly your air conditioner is running nonstop. If you have large west-facing windows, you already know the problem: by mid-afternoon, certain rooms become practically unusable. Living rooms turn into ovens, home offices feel stifling, and no amount of interior blinds seems to help.

The good news? There’s a proven, physics-based solution that tackles the problem at its source: exterior solar screens. For homeowners seeking exterior solar shades in Ottawa, these screens are often the missing link between comfort and soaring cooling costs.

Let’s break down why west-facing windows are such a challenge in Ottawa—and why stopping the heat before it hits the glass is the real AC killer.

The Physics of Heat: Why Indoor Blinds Fail

Most homeowners start with interior blinds or curtains. They help with glare and privacy, but when it comes to heat, they’re fighting a losing battle.

Here’s why:

• Solar radiation passes through the glass first. By the time sunlight reaches your interior blinds, the heat has already entered your home.
• Glass traps heat. Sunlight hits the glass, converts to heat energy, and gets trapped indoors—a classic greenhouse effect.
• Interior blinds absorb heat. That heat radiates back into the room, raising indoor temperatures and forcing your AC to work harder.

In Ottawa, where summer afternoons often bring intense, low-angle western sun, this effect is even more pronounced. West-facing windows receive direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day—exactly when you want to keep your home cool.

Interior blinds may reduce glare, but they do not effectively block heat from windows. To do that, you need to intercept solar energy before it reaches the glass.

What Are Exterior Solar Screens? (e.g., Talius / Phantom)

Exterior solar screens—also known as exterior roller shades—are installed on the outside of your windows, where they stop solar heat at the source.

High-quality systems like Talius Habitat Screens or similar premium products offered by Jans Awnings and Rollshutters are designed specifically for Canadian climates, including Ottawa’s humid summers and variable shoulder seasons.

How They Work

• Block up to 90% of UV rays before they hit the glass
• Reduce solar heat gain without eliminating natural light
• Allow airflow, preventing heat buildup between the screen and window

Because the sun’s energy never penetrates the glass, indoor temperatures stay dramatically lower—often by several degrees—without sacrificing daylight or views.

Ideal for West-Facing Windows

If you’re looking for a true west-facing window solution, exterior solar screens are one of the most effective options available. They’re especially popular in Ottawa homes with:

• Large picture windows
• Sliding glass doors
• Open-concept living areas that overheat in the afternoon

The Energy Bill Impact: Reducing Cooling Costs by up to 40%

One of the biggest motivations for Ottawa homeowners is the rising cost of electricity. When your AC is constantly battling solar heat gain, energy bills can spike quickly during July and August.

Exterior solar screens can help you:

• Reduce AC runtime by keeping indoor temperatures stable
• Lower peak cooling demand, especially in late afternoon
• Cut cooling costs by up to 40%, depending on window size and orientation

This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about efficiency. By acting as a form of passive cooling, exterior screens reduce the need for mechanical cooling altogether.

Natural Resources Canada consistently emphasizes the importance of managing solar heat gain as part of an energy-efficient home strategy, particularly in homes with large windows and strong sun exposure. Exterior shading is one of the most effective ways to do exactly that.

For Ottawa homeowners facing high hydro bills, exterior solar shades are an investment that pays for itself in comfort and long-term savings.

Visibility vs. Privacy: Seeing Out Without Being Seen

A common concern we hear at Jans Awnings and Rollshutters is: “Will I lose my view?”

The short answer: No.

Modern privacy screens are engineered with a precise openness factor that allows you to see out while limiting visibility from the outside—especially during daylight hours.

What You Can Expect

• Clear outward visibility from inside your home
• Enhanced daytime privacy, particularly for street-facing windows
• Reduced glare without a cave-like feeling indoors

From the inside, the screen feels almost invisible. From the outside, it acts as a subtle visual barrier—ideal for urban and suburban Ottawa neighbourhoods where privacy matters as much as comfort.

This balance of visibility and privacy is one reason exterior solar screens are increasingly chosen over interior blinds or reflective window films.

Protecting Your Hardwood and Furniture from UV Fade

Heat isn’t the only enemy of sun-exposed rooms. Over time, UV radiation can cause serious damage to your home’s interior finishes.

Without proper protection, prolonged sun exposure can lead to:

• Faded hardwood floors
• Discoloured furniture and upholstery
• Damaged artwork and area rugs

Exterior solar screens provide UV protection for furniture by blocking harmful rays before they enter your home. Unlike interior solutions, which allow UV to pass through the glass, exterior screens stop it at the source—preserving both comfort and aesthetics.

For Ottawa homeowners who’ve invested in quality flooring or custom furniture, this added layer of protection is often just as valuable as the cooling benefits.

Motorization, Smart Controls, and Seasonal Flexibility

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how advanced today’s exterior solar screens have become.

Are Exterior Screens Motorized?

Yes—most modern systems are fully motorized, with options that include:

• Wall switches
• Remote controls
• Smartphone apps
• Integration with smart home systems

You can lower your screens automatically in the afternoon when the sun hits your west-facing windows, then retract them in the evening to enjoy natural light and sunset views.

Do Solar Screens Work in the Winter?

Absolutely. While Ottawa winters are cold, exterior screens can be retracted when not needed, allowing you to take advantage of passive solar heat on sunny winter days. This flexibility makes them a year-round asset rather than a seasonal compromise.

Exterior Solar Screens vs. Rollshutters: Choosing the Right Solution

Exterior solar screens are ideal for heat control, glare reduction, and daytime privacy—but they aren’t the only option.

For homeowners seeking complete darkness, maximum security, or storm protection, rollshutters may be the better fit. Rollshutters block 100% of light and provide insulation, security, and noise reduction.

At Jans Awnings and Rollshutters, we often help Ottawa homeowners compare:

• Retractable Screens – for airflow, insect protection, and comfort
• Exterior Solar Screens – for heat, UV, and energy control
• Rollshutters – for blackout, security, and all-season protection

Each serves a different purpose, and the right solution depends on how you use your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop the Heat Before It Enters

If your living room feels like an oven by 4 p.m. every July, the problem isn’t your air conditioner—it’s solar heat gain. Interior blinds simply react to heat that’s already inside. Exterior solar screens prevent it altogether.

For homeowners searching for exterior solar shades Ottawa solutions, Jans Awnings and Rollshutters offers expert guidance, premium products like Talius Habitat Screens, and professional installation tailored to Ottawa’s climate.

Is your living room an oven in July? Stop the heat with solar screens. Contact Jans Awnings and Rollshutters today or request your free quote.