If you’ve spent a summer in the Portland Metro area recently, you know the deal. Our “mild” Pacific Northwest summers still pack a serious punch. Whether you’re in Hillsboro, Beaverton, or tucked away in Tigard, there comes a point in July and August where your west-facing windows turn into giant magnifying glasses, baking your living room and sending your AC unit into a panic.
Lately, if you look around neighborhoods in Southwest Washington and Vancouver, you might notice something new on the outside of people’s homes. It isn’t just a new paint job or fancy landscaping. Everyone is talking about SunSetter EasyShades.
At Portland Awnings, we’ve seen a massive surge in interest for these exterior window shades. But why the sudden buzz? Simply put, homeowners are tired of fighting a losing battle against the sun from the inside of their homes. They are looking for a solution that actually works, looks great, and doesn’t break the bank.
The Problem With Interior Blinds
Let’s face it: standard curtains and interior blinds are essentially just decoration when it comes to heat management. By the time the sun hits your blinds, it has already passed through your window glass. That heat is already inside your house. Your blinds might stop the glare, but they become hot surfaces that radiate heat right into your room.
This is why your living room feels like an oven even when the shades are drawn. Exterior shades change the math entirely. By stopping the sun before it hits the glass, you prevent the greenhouse effect from ever starting.
What Exactly Are SunSetter EasyShades?
SunSetter EasyShades are high-quality exterior solar shades designed to be mounted on the outside of your home, over windows, or even on porches and balconies. They roll down when you need them and disappear into a protective aluminum housing when you don’t.
The secret sauce is the fabric. It’s a vinyl-coated mesh that is tough enough to withstand the erratic Portland weather but sophisticated enough to block up to 90% of sun, heat, and glare. The best part? You can still see through them. You get to keep your view of the West Hills or your backyard garden without the blinding light.
Why Portlanders are Making the Switch
There are a few specific reasons why these have become the go-to home improvement project for local homeowners.
1. Drastic Heat Reduction
In our neck of the woods, west-facing windows are the biggest culprits for overheating. When the afternoon sun hits those windows, your indoor temperature can spike by 10 or 15 degrees in just a few hours. SunSetter EasyShades can lower the temperature behind the shade by up to 20 degrees. That is the difference between a comfortable afternoon and a miserable one. For more on this, check out our guide on SunSetter EasyShades for Portland west-facing windows.
2. Significant Energy Savings
We all know that utility bills are on the rise. When your home stays cooler naturally, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work nearly as hard. Many of our customers in Vancouver and Tigard report that their EasyShades paid for themselves over a few seasons just through lower electricity bills. It’s one of those rare home improvements that actually puts money back in your pocket.
3. UV Protection for Your Home
Have you ever noticed your hardwood floors or area rugs fading in specific spots? That’s UV damage. The same sun that heats up your home is also bleaching your expensive furniture, artwork, and flooring. By blocking 90% of those rays, EasyShades act like a high-SPF sunscreen for your interior decor.
4. Privacy Without the “Closed-In” Feel
One of the biggest complaints about traditional blinds is that they make a room feel dark and claustrophobic. EasyShades offer a unique “one-way” privacy. During the day, you can see out perfectly, but people passing by on the sidewalk can’t see in. It’s an ideal solution for homes in denser Portland neighborhoods where privacy is at a premium.
Manual, Motorized, or Solar-Powered?
At Portland Awnings, we offer a few different ways to operate your EasyShades, and each has its own perks.
- Manual: Simple and reliable. You use a wand to roll them up or down. It’s the most budget-friendly option and perfect for windows you can easily reach.
- Motorized: This is the ultimate in convenience. With a remote control, you can lower your shades from your couch or even from across the room. We often find that homeowners are more likely to use their shades when they are motorized, which maximizes the benefits. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the upgrade, take a look at our article on whether motorized awnings and shades are worth it.
- Solar-Powered: This is a fan favorite in the Portland Metro area. A small solar panel on the housing charges the battery, so you don’t need an electrician to run wires through your walls. It’s clean, green, and incredibly easy to install.
Built for the Pacific Northwest
Some people worry that exterior shades won’t last in our rainy climate. That being said, SunSetter EasyShades are built with a rust-proof aluminum housing. When the shades are retracted, the fabric is completely protected from the rain, wind, and debris.
They are designed to stay on your house year-round. You don’t need to take them down in the winter. In fact, many of our customers in Beaverton and Hillsboro keep them down on bright winter days to reduce glare while they’re working from home. If you are concerned about wind, we always recommend looking into awning and shade wind sensors for that extra peace of mind.
Comparing the Options
When you start looking at ways to cool your home, you’ll see a lot of choices. You might be considering a full patio cover or perhaps just some heavy-duty indoor curtains.
Simply put, EasyShades fill a specific niche. They are more effective than blinds but less of a structural commitment than a fixed patio cover. We’ve put together a detailed comparison of SunSetter EasyShades vs. traditional blinds to help you see the data for yourself.
The good news is that they are also incredibly versatile. You can install them on the outside of your window frame, inside the frame, or even on a porch to create a screened-in feel. This flexibility is why they are so popular for maximizing outdoor living spaces in Portland.
The Portland Awnings Difference
When you choose Portland Awnings, you aren’t just buying a product out of a catalog. We are local experts who live and work right here in the Portland area. We know which side of the street gets the most sun in Hillsboro and how the wind typically whips through the Columbia Gorge into Vancouver.
We handle the measurement and the installation, ensuring that your EasyShades are perfectly level and securely mounted to your home’s specific siding type. Whether you have wood, vinyl, or brick, we’ve seen it all and installed it all.
Is It Time to Cool Down Your Home?
If you find yourself dreading the afternoon sun or closing your heavy curtains and living in a dark cave just to stay cool, it’s time to look at a better way. SunSetter EasyShades offer a blend of style, efficiency, and comfort that is hard to beat.
Let’s face it, the summers aren’t getting any cooler. Investing in a solution that protects your home, saves you money, and makes your living space more enjoyable is just common sense.
If you’re ready to see how these shades would look on your home, we’d love to chat. We serve the entire Portland Metro area and Southwest Washington, providing free estimates and professional advice tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do SunSetter EasyShades work on rainy days?
Yes, the fabric is moisture-resistant. However, we generally recommend retracting them during heavy storms or high winds to protect the mechanism. They are primarily designed for sun protection, but they can handle the typical Portland drizzle just fine.
Can I see through them from the inside?
Absolutely. The mesh is designed to block the sun’s rays while allowing light and visibility to pass through. It’s very similar to looking through a high-quality window screen, only with much better heat protection.
How do they compare to motorized retractable screens?
EasyShades are typically designed for windows, whereas motorized retractable screens are often used for larger openings like porches, garages, or lanais. Both offer great UV protection and cooling benefits.
Are they difficult to maintain?
Not at all. The aluminum housing protects the fabric when not in use. If the fabric gets dusty, a simple rinse with a garden hose and a mild soap solution is usually all it takes to keep them looking brand new.
Will they fit my extra-wide windows?
SunSetter EasyShades come in widths ranging from 3 feet all the way up to 12 feet. This covers the vast majority of residential windows in our area, including large sliding glass doors.
Do I need an electrician for the motorized version?
If you choose the solar-powered model, no electrician is required. For the standard plug-in motorized version, you just need a standard outdoor outlet nearby. We can help you determine the best power source for your specific setup.