Solar screens reduce summer heat

SunBlox, Inc. ( http://www.sunbloxinc.com ) has launched an affordable product that reduces heat absorption through windows by up to 90%, resulting in energy cost savings of up to 30% in the Central Florida market. The Orlando-based company installs (an especially timely) product already popular in such hot spots as California and Arizona, where utility companies frequently offer incentives for the installation and use of Sun Screens, which significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling homes and offices. Progress Energy is studying the recommendation of this product.

Keith Freeman, founder and owner of SunBlox(TM), states, "The cost is relatively meager considering that it is estimated that one would recoup their initial expense in just three years (or less) of use and in six years should double their money back." He added, "This is a product that (given our Nation's current heat wave and global warming) could have significant impact on the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) if broadly installed."

Sun Screens work by stopping the sun's rays before they hit the glass (Sun hitting glass will produce about 230 BTU's per square foot of glass) -- this is how heat gain in the room is reduced. The U.S. Department of Energy says in a study that shading the outside of exposed windows or doors is the best way to stop heat build-up ( http://www.eere.energy.gov ). The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse says that roughly 40% of heat build-up and heat loss is through windows and doors inside of your home. External shading is the most effective home treatment to counter these effects. Shading the exposed window and doors with Sun Screens can reduce room temperatures by as much as 20 degrees.

Other products have drawbacks: window film or window tints cannot be removed, sometimes bubble up in the heat and often void manufacturers warranties; interior solar window shadings such as indoor window film or blinds or insulated drapes do not block, reflect or absorb the solar rays before they pass through the glass, allowing heat build-up.

SunBlox Sun Screens block sunlight before it hits windows and enters the building. By blocking up to 90% of the sun's harmful UV rays, Sun Screens reduce temperature in rooms by as much as 20 degrees, providing you with savings of up to 25%-30% on summer cooling bills. They allow ventilation and privacy and act as insect screens too. Sun Screens can be easily removed for the winter months.

Founder Keith Freeman relocated to Central Florida in the summer of 1997 from California by way of Hawaii. As a Quality Assurance manager for the Department of Defense for a decade, and a custom homebuilder for as long, Keith is entirely familiar with energy conservation products utilized in the west. He found it amazing that he could not find the product locally. He was able to source a small quantity of the raw material via special order, but not the special framing material or clips, and nobody knew how to create or install the screens. This was the catalyst for starting SunBlox(TM).

After a great deal of research, sifting the best product from the less effective, Keith opened shop and is now looking to spread the word to the public. Certainly, if people knew the savings potential in their monthly electric bills, the extended life of their a/c system, as well as enhanced comfort of their homes, it would become a standard in Florida homes.

There are also commercial applications.

Several thicknesses of the product offer varying degrees of heat reduction and privacy.

* Block out 70%, 80%, or 90% of the sun's damaging UV rays
* Reduce temperature in rooms by as much as 20 degrees
* Savings of 25%-30% on summer cooling bills is typical
* Provide privacy from outside, similar visibility from inside
* Cut glare for added comfort
* Protect furniture, carpets and artwork from fading and UV ray damage
* Allows ventilation and acts as an insect screen too
* Screens can easily be removed in the winter months
* Fits almost any window size or shape including arched windows
* Custom grid work is available to match those already existing on your windows