When summer hits Phoenix, the sun doesn’t clock out. It blazes before breakfast and sits on your west-facing windows like it pays rent. If you’ve ever walked into a room that felt 10 degrees hotter than the rest of the house, you know that feeling. That’s where Window Sun Screens step in. They don’t just help a little. They tame the heat, calm the glare, and make the room feel livable again.
You know what? Comfort at home isn’t only about air conditioning. It’s about what the sun does before your AC even kicks in. The less heat that enters, the easier your system breathes, and the lower your bill. Simple idea, big payoff.
Contents
- 1 The Phoenix sun is a full-time job—here’s relief
- 2 So, what exactly are window sun screens?
- 3 Comfort you can feel: the quick hits
- 4 Will my home feel dark? Let’s talk light and views
- 5 Energy bills and peak rates in Phoenix
- 6 Which screen fabric is right for you?
- 7 Installation details that actually matter
- 8 Maintenance in the desert is easy
- 9 What about winter sun—do I need to remove them?
- 10 Cost, rebates, and the payback picture
- 11 A quick myth check
- 12 Why Arizona Screen Company
- 13 Ready to feel the difference?
The Phoenix sun is a full-time job—here’s relief
Phoenix is bright. It’s beautiful, but it’s harsh. Our UV index regularly spikes, windows soak up heat, and by late afternoon your living room can feel like a slow cooker. **Solar screens in Phoenix** are designed for exactly this climate. The fabric intercepts UV rays and radiant heat on the outside of the glass, where it matters most. That means less heat entering the home and less strain on your AC during APS or SRP peak hours.
There’s a comfort bonus you’ll notice on day one. The room feels steadier. The air is calmer near the window. Surfaces don’t radiate heat back at you. It sounds small, but you feel it right away.
So, what exactly are window sun screens?
Think of them like sunglasses for your house. The material is a tight, durable mesh—often PVC-coated polyester—that’s mounted in a sturdy frame and fitted to your windows. Brands like Phifer SunTex or Textilene are common in the Valley. You’ll see percentages like 80, 90, or 95. Those numbers hint at how much sun the fabric blocks.
The screen sits outside the glass. By stopping solar gain before the window heats up, energy-efficient window performance goes from “nice in theory” to “wow, this works.” And yes, they’re removable for cleaning or seasonal changes.
Comfort you can feel: the quick hits
Let me explain what homeowners tell us after install. Rooms feel cooler, colors look truer, and the TV no longer acts like a mirror at noon. Here are the core benefits, plain and simple:
- Lower indoor temps Near-window temperatures can drop noticeably. That hot zone by the couch? Mellowed out.
- Reduced glare Read a book at 3 pm, watch the Diamondbacks without squinting, and keep your shades open.
- UV protection **UV protection for floors and furniture** helps carpets, art, and upholstery fade far less.
- More privacy You can see out, but passersby mostly see a dark, clean window, not your living room.
- Energy savings Your AC doesn’t fight as hard, especially on time-of-use plans. That shows up on the bill.
There’s a small surprise, too. Even though screens block some light, the room often feels brighter in a good way, because harsh glare is gone. Sounds backward, right? But once the squinting stops, you see more.
Will my home feel dark? Let’s talk light and views
This is the biggest worry we hear. And it’s fair. Sun screens do reduce visible light a bit. Yet because the light is even and the glare is cut, the space tends to look more balanced. Views stay visible—sharper, even—without the white-hot haze.
A tip from our installers: match the fabric openness to the room. For living spaces where you want views, many Phoenix homeowners choose 80 or 90. For west-facing bedrooms, 90 or 95 can make sleep easier. We’ll show you samples against your actual windows so your eyes can decide.
Energy bills and peak rates in Phoenix
APS and SRP both have time-of-use plans that can sting in summer, especially late afternoon. Sun screens help by trimming heat gain before the rush. Your AC cycles less, and you can keep the thermostat a notch higher without feeling sticky.
It’s not magic; it’s physics. Less solar heat hitting glass equals less heat radiating into your room. Homeowners often pair sun screens with ceiling fans and smart thermostats for a friendly trio. Honestly, that combo feels like cheating the sun.
Which screen fabric is right for you?
We get this question a lot. The short answer is: it depends on your window direction, your taste, and how you use the room. Here’s a simple guide you can skim:
| Fabric Type | Heat Reduction | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SunTex 80 | Strong heat and UV cut with brighter interiors | North/east windows, living areas with views |
| SunTex 90 | Deeper heat block and glare control | West/south windows, TV rooms, home offices |
| High-density (95) | Max shade and privacy; strongest glare cut | Late-day sun, bedrooms, sensitive fabrics |
Color matters too. Darker fabrics often deliver better glare control and crisper views out. Lighter fabrics can brighten interiors a touch. We carry both, along with color-matched frames that blend with stucco and trim.
Installation details that actually matter
A good fit is everything. Our team measures each window, notes clearances, and checks egress windows for quick-release needs. Most screens mount with sturdy clips or screws into the frame surround, so removal for cleaning is simple. For sliders and doors, hardware differs slightly, but the goal is the same: secure, snug, and tidy.
HOA concerns? We work within guidelines across Phoenix neighborhoods and master-planned communities. If you need sample materials or color swatches for approval, we’ll set you up.
Safety note: some families choose security screens for doors and vulnerable windows. Those aren’t the same as sun screens. They’re heavier-duty metal mesh with locking hardware. We can help you decide if one or both make sense.
Maintenance in the desert is easy
Dust happens. Monsoon dust, especially. The good news is, cleaning is simple: rinse gently with a hose, then brush with a soft bristle and mild soap if needed. Avoid pressure washers and harsh chemicals. Once dry, pop them back in if you removed them.
Most quality fabrics carry generous warranties and stay stable in the heat. No stretching, no sagging, just consistent shade season after season.
What about winter sun—do I need to remove them?
Some homeowners like the extra light and passive warmth in winter. Others keep screens up year-round for privacy and UV control. There’s no wrong answer. If you love winter sun on your floors, pull the west screens off till March. If you prefer steady temps and glare control, leave them up. We can show you quick-release setups that make seasonal changes painless.
And a small Phoenix-specific note: winter mornings can be bright but gentle. East-facing windows with 80 fabric give a nice balance of glow and comfort.
Cost, rebates, and the payback picture
Let’s talk money, because that’s part of comfort too. Sun screens are one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. They’re less expensive than new windows and often produce faster returns. Many customers see lower summer bills and fewer hot spots right away.
Local rebates sometimes apply. For example, SRP has offered shade screen rebates in past seasons for qualifying homes. Program details change, so check current availability on the SRP website or ask us to guide you through it. Either way, the long, bright Phoenix season gives screens more runway to pay you back.
A quick myth check
– Heat still gets in through walls and roofs, so screens aren’t a silver bullet. But they handle the window problem very well, which is often the biggest source of afternoon spikes.
Screens “ruin” curb appeal? Not when they’re color-matched and clean-lined. In fact, many homes look sharper once the glare is toned down and windows read as a unified design detail.
You’ll never open your blinds again? Actually, you might keep them open more, because privacy and glare reduction are handled on the outside.
Why Arizona Screen Company
We’re local. We live with the same heat, the same monsoon winds, the same dusty afternoons that roll in out of nowhere. Our team builds and installs **custom solar screens** across the Valley with tight fits, clean corners, and hardware that lasts. We carry trusted fabrics, offer color choices that match Phoenix homes, and stand behind our work.
We listen first. Is your kitchen impossible at 4 pm? Do you love your mountain view? Do you want privacy on a corner lot? That’s the brief. We’ll tailor the setup so your home feels calmer without losing the things you enjoy.
Ready to feel the difference?
Imagine walking into your living room at sunset and not feeling that wall of heat. Imagine your floors keeping their color, and your AC purring without strain. That’s what **window sun screens in Phoenix** can do, and we’d be happy to show you.
Call Arizona Screen Company at 480-771-2543 for quick answers and friendly advice. Prefer messaging? Request a Free Quote and we’ll get back fast with options, samples, and pricing that makes sense for your home.

