Arizona heat can make certain rooms in your home feel uncomfortable, especially during the summer. If you have windows that get direct sun for hours, you may notice hot bedrooms, bright living rooms, glare on screens, and blinds that stay closed most of the day.
Not all window screens are made to solve that problem.
Standard window screens are mainly designed for airflow and insect protection. Solar screens are different. They are made to reduce direct sunlight before it reaches the window glass.
For Arizona heat, solar screens are usually the best window screens because they help reduce heat, glare, UV exposure, and daytime privacy concerns on sun-exposed windows.
Want help choosing the best window screens for Arizona heat? Call us at (623) 748-0408 for a 100% free estimate.
What Makes Arizona Heat So Hard on Windows?
Arizona homes deal with strong sun for much of the year. During the hottest months, direct sunlight through windows can make certain rooms warmer than the rest of the house.
This is especially common with:
- West-facing windows
- South-facing windows
- East-facing windows
- Upstairs bedrooms
- Large living room windows
- Home offices with direct sun
- Rooms with little exterior shade
Once sunlight reaches the glass, the room can become brighter, hotter, and harder to keep comfortable.
That is why exterior window screens for hot climate Arizona homes are so important. The right screens can help reduce direct sun exposure before it becomes a bigger comfort issue inside the home.
Regular Window Screens vs Solar Screens
Many homeowners think all window screens are the same, but there is a big difference between regular insect screens and solar screens.
Regular Window Screens
Regular window screens are usually designed to let air flow through the window while keeping bugs out.
They are useful for:
- Insect protection
- Airflow
- Basic window coverage
- Keeping debris out when windows are open
However, regular screens are not designed for strong heat control. They usually have a lighter mesh and do not block enough sunlight to make a major difference on hot Arizona windows.
If your main concern is bugs, regular screens may be enough. If your main concern is heat, glare, and direct sun, solar screens are usually the better choice.
Solar Screens
Solar screens, also called window sunscreens, are designed for sun control.
They are installed on the outside of the window and help reduce direct sunlight before it reaches the glass. This makes them a better fit for Arizona homes with hot rooms, glare problems, and windows that get strong sun exposure.
Solar screens can help with:
- Heat reduction
- Glare control
- Daytime privacy
- UV exposure
- Fading on furniture and flooring
- Comfort in sunny rooms
- Exterior curb appeal
If you want a deeper explanation of how they work, read our guide on do window sunscreens really work in Arizona.
Why Solar Screens Are Usually the Best Choice for Arizona Heat
For Arizona homes, solar screens are often the best sun screens for windows because they help address the heat problem before it reaches the glass.
That is the key difference.
Instead of letting sunlight hit the window first, solar screens help reduce direct sun from the outside. This can make a noticeable difference on windows that receive strong sun for several hours a day.
Solar screens are often a smart choice for homeowners looking for:
- Heat blocking window screens in Arizona
- UV blocking window screens in Arizona
- Energy efficient window screens in Arizona
- Exterior window screens for hot climates
- Better comfort in sunny rooms
- More daytime privacy
- Reduced glare through windows
They are especially useful on west-, south-, and east-facing windows because those sides of the home often receive the most direct sunlight.
What Percentage Solar Screen Is Best for Arizona?
Solar screens usually come in different percentages. The most common options are 80% and 90%.
The percentage refers to how much sunlight or solar heat gain the screen is designed to block. The higher the percentage, the more sun control the screen provides.
80% Solar Screens
An 80% solar screen can be a good option when you want heat and glare control without making the room feel too dark.
80% solar screens are often a good fit for:
- Front-facing windows
- Partly shaded windows
- Rooms where natural light matters
- Windows where outward visibility is important
- Areas with moderate sun exposure
This option gives homeowners a good balance between sun control, visibility, and natural light.
90% Solar Screens
A 90% solar screen is usually the better choice for windows with stronger direct sun.
90% solar screens are often a good fit for:
- West-facing windows
- South-facing windows
- Hot bedrooms
- Upstairs rooms
- Living rooms with glare
- Home offices
- TV rooms
- Large windows with long sun exposure
For the hottest Arizona windows, 90% solar screens are often the better option because they provide stronger sun and glare control.
If you are comparing both options, read our full guide on 80% vs 90% solar screens in Arizona.
Which Windows Need Heat Blocking Screens Most?
You do not always need to install solar screens on every window first. Many homeowners start with the windows that get the most direct sun, then add more later if needed.
The best windows to prioritize are usually:
- West-facing windows
- South-facing windows
- East-facing windows
- Upstairs bedrooms
- Large living room windows
- Home offices
- TV rooms
- Rooms where blinds stay closed all day
- Rooms that feel hotter than the rest of the home
If a room gets uncomfortable during the afternoon, the windows in that room are usually a good place to start.
Best Window Screens for West-Facing Windows
West-facing windows are often one of the biggest problems for Arizona homeowners.
These windows take on strong afternoon sun, usually during the hottest part of the day. This can cause bedrooms, living rooms, and upstairs rooms to stay warmer into the evening.
For west-facing windows, 90% solar screens are often the best choice because they provide stronger heat and glare control.
They can be especially helpful if:
- The room gets hot late in the day
- The sun shines directly through the window
- You keep blinds closed every afternoon
- There is glare on a TV or computer
- The room stays warmer than nearby rooms
West-facing windows are often the first place homeowners should consider installing solar screens.
Best Window Screens for UV Protection
Arizona sunlight can fade furniture, flooring, rugs, blinds, curtains, and other interior surfaces over time.
UV blocking window screens can help reduce direct sun exposure through the windows. This may help limit some of the fading and wear caused by strong sunlight.
Solar screens do not eliminate all UV exposure, but they can be a helpful layer of protection for rooms that get direct sun.
They are especially useful for:
- Living rooms with large windows
- Rooms with wood or vinyl flooring
- Areas with upholstered furniture
- Windows near artwork or decor
- Rooms with blinds or curtains exposed to direct sun
If protecting your home’s interior is one of your goals, solar screens are a smart option to consider.
Best Window Screens for Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient window screens are most useful when installed on windows that receive direct sun.
By reducing sunlight before it reaches the glass, solar screens can help reduce heat gain through windows and support a more comfortable home.
Actual results can depend on several factors, including:
- Window direction
- Screen percentage
- Glass type
- Home layout
- Existing shade
- Insulation
- Air conditioning use
Solar screens should not be viewed as a replacement for air conditioning, insulation, or efficient windows. But for homes with strong direct sun, they can be a practical energy-efficiency upgrade.
If your home has rooms that heat up because of direct sunlight, solar screens may help make those spaces easier to manage.
Do Solar Screens Make Rooms Too Dark?
This is a common question, especially for homeowners who want heat control but still want natural light.
The answer depends on the screen percentage.
An 80% solar screen allows more natural light and better outward visibility. A 90% solar screen blocks more sunlight and may make the room feel darker.
Many Arizona homeowners use both.
For example, they may choose 90% solar screens for west-facing windows and 80% solar screens for front-facing or partly shaded windows.
The goal is not to make every room dark. The goal is to reduce the harsh sunlight that makes rooms hot, bright, and uncomfortable.
How Much Do the Best Window Screens for Arizona Heat Cost?
At All Pro Shade Concepts, solar screens cost $8 per square foot installed, with a $500 minimum project charge.
This price includes:
- New frames
- Solar screen mesh
- Professional installation
- Removal of old frames
- Second-story installation at no extra charge
- Custom fitting for each window
Both 80% and 90% solar screens cost the same.
For a full pricing breakdown, read our guide on how much solar screens cost in Phoenix.
Can Solar Screens Qualify for SRP Rebates?
Some solar screen projects may qualify for SRP rebates if they meet current program requirements.
Eligibility can depend on:
- Customer status
- Window direction
- Screen type
- Solar heat gain blocking requirements
- Installation details
- Submission deadlines
Rebate rules can change, so homeowners should confirm current eligibility directly with SRP before starting a project.
For more information, read our SRP solar screen rebate guide.
Solar Screen Installation Across the Phoenix Metro Area
All Pro Shade Concepts installs solar screens throughout the Phoenix metro area, including Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Buckeye, and nearby Valley communities.
Homes across the Valley deal with intense sun, high temperatures, and rooms that can become uncomfortable during certain parts of the day.
Custom solar screens can help reduce direct sunlight and glare while keeping the outside of your home looking clean and finished.
How to Choose the Best Window Screens for Your Home
The best window screens for your home depend on where the sun is causing the biggest problem.
Solar screens may be a good fit if:
- Your rooms get too hot
- You have west-, south-, or east-facing windows
- You want heat control
- You want glare reduction
- You want daytime privacy
- You want to protect interiors from sun exposure
- You want exterior screens designed for Arizona heat
For many Arizona homeowners, the best option is a custom solar screen solution based on window direction, room use, and how much sunlight each window receives.
Need help choosing the best solar screens for your home? Call All Pro Shade Concepts at (623) 748-0408 for a 100% free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best window screens for Arizona heat?
Solar screens are usually the best window screens for Arizona heat because they help reduce direct sunlight before it reaches the glass.
Are solar screens better than regular window screens?
Yes, if your goal is heat and glare reduction. Regular screens are mainly made for airflow and insect protection, while solar screens are made for sun control.
What percentage solar screen is best in Arizona?
For hot, sun-exposed windows, 90% solar screens are often best. For windows where natural light and visibility matter more, 80% solar screens may be a better choice.
Which windows should get solar screens first?
Start with west-facing, south-facing, and east-facing windows, especially in bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and rooms that stay hotter than the rest of the home.
Do solar screens help reduce heat?
Yes. Solar screens can help reduce direct sun exposure through windows, which may make sunny rooms more comfortable.
Do solar screens block UV rays?
Solar screens can help reduce direct sun exposure that contributes to fading and sun damage inside the home.
How much do solar screens cost in Phoenix?
At All Pro Shade Concepts, solar screens cost $8 per square foot installed, with a $500 minimum project charge. For more details, read our guide on how much solar screens cost in Phoenix.
Do 80% and 90% solar screens cost the same?
Yes. At All Pro Shade Concepts, both 80% and 90% solar screens cost the same: $8 per square foot installed, with a $500 minimum project charge.
Are solar screens worth it in Arizona?
For many Arizona homeowners, yes. Solar screens are often worth it because they help with heat, glare, daytime privacy, and direct sun exposure on hot windows.
