External shading of windows and doors

Stay cooler in summer with external shading on windows and doors.

How it works

External shading like shutters and awnings block the sun's energy before it passes through the glass. This prevents your windows and doors from creating a greenhouse effect that traps heat in your home. It’s a simple, powerful way to keep your home naturally cooler. In winter they can also help keep you warm by letting winter sun enter.

Who it’s best for

External shading is a highly effective upgrade for your home or small business if you:

have windows facing west that get intense, direct sun during the day
want to reduce how much you’re using your air conditioning to lower your energy bills
need to reduce glare and protect your furniture and floors from fading due to UV exposure.

How much you can save

40%

per year on your heating and cooling bills by reducing the time your air conditioner is running.

How much it will cost

Pictogram of a price tag with a dollar sign

$200–$5,000+

Costs range from $200 for a custom DIY solar screen to $5,000 or more for a large motorised retractable awning.

Case study

"We put in insulated roller shutters on windows which cut the temperature in the house by about 10 degrees."
– Ken and Corinne, NSW homeowners who have saved power by insulating their home.

Find out how Ken and Corinne are saving by installing roller shutters

Duration: 58 seconds.

Video Transcript

Ken: One of the best ways that we've saved power is by insulating the house. And there are multiple ways you can do that. But the reality is, most heat comes in through your windows and your glass doors.

So what we did was put insulated roller shutters on the north, east and west-facing windows where all the heat is coming in. And that cut the temperature in the house by about 10°. It was just staggering.

Cut it so much, that we found we didn't need air conditioning in the house anymore. Since we put all the roller shutters going in on the house, we have not used heating in winter or cooling in summer.

It was very easy to get the roller shutters put in, and they also provide security, and it's been really, really good.

Get started

Choose your external shading
- Pick the option that best fits your budget, style and window direction. There are many different types to choose from, including:
  - Awnings which cool windows, doors and outdoor areas. These include retractable options to let in winter sun.
  - Solar screens which replace insect screens to block heat and UV while keeping clear views.
  - Shutters or exterior blinds which reduce heat, add security and protect against storms.
- Compare products and prices online or in-store, read reviews, and ask friends and family for recommendations.
- For more complex projects consult a licensed installer. They can advise what’s best for your home.
Install your external shading
- Simpler options like solar screens can often be done by you.
- Larger, heavier items like retractable awnings or shutters should be professionally installed so they are mounted safely and securely to your home.
Get the most out of your external shading
- Use your shades during the hottest parts of sunny days to maximise cooling.
- In the winter, keep shades retracted or open (especially on south-facing windows) to take advantage of the free solar heat from the sun.
- Retract awnings during storms or high winds to prevent damage.

There’s currently no NSW Government incentive or rebate available for external shading.

There’s currently no Australian Government incentive or rebate available for external shading.