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On hot summer days, air conditioning is often the first thing that comes to mind. But AC consumes a lot of energy, is expensive to install, and doesn’t actually solve the root problem, it cools air that has already been heated by the sun. What if you stop the heat before it even enters your home? With sun shading screens, that’s exactly what you do, and you can save up to €135 per year on your energy bill.
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Air conditioning cools the air in your room, but it doesn’t address the root cause of the heat. As long as sunlight continues to enter through your windows, your AC has to work hard to compensate. That consumes energy, and you’ll see it on your bill.
A typical portable AC unit uses around 1,000 to 1,500 watts per hour. On a hot day, that can add up to 5 to 8 kWh, which equals roughly €1.50 to €3 per day in electricity costs.
Sun shading screens tackle the problem at the source. They block sunlight before it reaches your window, preventing your home from heating up in the first place. It’s the difference between putting out a fire (AC) and preventing it (screens).
Both solutions help keep your home cool, but in fundamentally different ways. Below are the key differences.
| AC (portable or split) | Sun shading screens (suction cups) | |
|---|---|---|
| How does it work? | Cools air that has already been heated |
Blocks sunlight before it reaches the glass |
| Effectiveness | Room cools down, but heat source remains |
Up to 97% of solar heat blocked (outdoor installation) |
| Energy consumption | 1,000–1,500 watts per hour | None (passive system) |
| Purchase cost | Portable: €200–€600. Split: €1,000+ | 10–15x cheaper than electric screens |
| Annual costs | €150–€400 electricity per summer | None (one-time purchase, reusable) |
| Installation |
Portable: hose through window. Split: professional required |
DIY, in 15 minutes, no drilling |
| Noise | 45–65 dB (noticeable, especially at night) | Silent (no moving parts) |
| Suitable for rental homes? | Portable: yes. Split: usually not | Yes (suction cups, no drilling) |
| Environmental impact | Refrigerants + high energy use | None (passive, reusable material) |
| Can be combined? | Yes, screens reduce AC load | Yes, AC as support on very hot days |
The conclusion? Screens and AC aren’t competitors, they complement each other. Screens keep the majority of heat out, while an AC unit can handle the rest on the hottest days. By using screens, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, helping you save on energy costs.
By installing sun shading screens, you significantly reduce the heat load on your AC. The result: your AC runs fewer hours and at a lower power level. In practice, households with screens save up to €135 per year on their energy bills, simply due to reduced AC usage.
These savings are highest in homes with large window surfaces, such as sliding doors, extensions with skylights, or rooms facing south or west. Exactly the areas where an AC typically works the hardest.
If you have solar panels, using an AC during the day may seem “free”, your panels generate electricity, and your AC uses it. But the real issue shifts to the evening and night. Once the sun goes down, your panels stop producing energy, while the heat built up in your home still keeps your AC running. At that point, you’re using expensive grid electricity.
By keeping the heat out during the day with screens, your home heats up far less. The result: in the evening and at night, your AC hardly needs to run, or not at all. This means you save on the most expensive electricity: grid power.
Tip: smart combination The most energy-efficient strategy is: screens during the day + AC only as backup on extremely hot days. This way, you maximize your solar energy usage and minimize reliance on the grid.
Yes, for most households, screens are enough to keep the home comfortably cool without AC. With Maximum Sunblock screens installed on the outside, you can block up to 97% of solar heat. Combine this with basic principles (keep windows closed during the day, ventilate in the evening), and your home stays comfortable, even during heatwaves.
When is AC still needed? During prolonged heatwaves (several days above 35°C) or in homes with very large south-facing glass surfaces, an additional AC unit can be useful. Even then, screens ensure the AC only has to do a fraction of the usual work.
The right choice depends on your space and priorities:
Maximum Sunblock blocks up to 97% of solar heat when installed on the outside. Choose this for bedrooms, home offices, and spaces where cooling is the priority. It also has a blackout effect, ideal for sleeping in a cool and dark room. This is the most effective alternative to AC.
Optimal View blocks up to 85% of heat while maintaining your view to the outside. Choose this for living rooms, kitchens, and extensions where you want to enjoy natural light. You can select a different type for each room.
For outdoor installation, choose a dark color (Anthracite or Black) for the best heat reduction and visibility. For indoor installation, lighter colors (White or Boulder) are more effective, as they reflect heat.
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At Sun Eclipse, we continuously strive to provide our customers with the best possible support. That’s why we’ve collected and answered the most common questions in our FAQ, so you can quickly find answers to any questions you may have.
Yes, the vacuum suction cups are attached directly to the glass. They are tightened onto the surface to create a strong vacuum, ensuring a firm and secure hold.
They are also fully removable and leave no marks behind.
Absolutely. Suction cups are ideal for uPVC frames. They attach to the glass, not the frame itself. Due to the angled edges of uPVC frames, other mounting methods often don’t adhere well. On glass, adhesion is optimal.
The vacuum suction cups are designed to withstand storm conditions. They are tightened onto the glass, creating an extra strong and secure hold.
An additional suction cup is added per running meter for extra support. Because the screens are mounted close to the window, they catch very little wind.
Yes. The screens are fully removable and reusable. Just make sure your new home has the same window dimensions, or order a new custom-made screen.
The suction cups work on any flat glass surface. They are not suitable for textured glass, patterned glass, existing window film, or stained glass.
Sun Eclipse offers custom solutions for all window sizes, including non-standard shapes such as triangles, trapezoids, and semi-circular windows.
Suction cup sun shading is the most affordable alternative — up to 10 to 15 times cheaper than electric screens. With Maximum Sunblock, you get up to 97% heat reduction, comparable to expensive electric systems.
You measure everything yourself and receive your screen within 3 to 5 business days.