Double-glazed windows can be a boon for a home in a hot climate.They insulate well, thus keeping the hot air outside and the cool air inside. However, if you want to make the most of your double-glazed windows in a hot climate, you should pair them with the right accessories. Here are some ideas to consider.

1. Overhangs

Overhangs are the part of your eaves that shade your home, and they can help to make your windows more efficient. Ideally, on north-facing windows, where you tend to get the most light, you want your overhangs to block the sun when it is high in the sky in the summer. That reduces the amount of unwanted heat that enters your home.

To enhance your overhangs and keep your double-glazed windows shaded, consider adding awnings above your windows as well, especially on the sides of your home that don't have any overhang along the rake of the roof.

2. Window Treatments

Blocking the light shouldn't just be left to overhangs and awnings. You should also hang energy-efficient window treatments over your windows. Keep them open in the evening if you like, but close them during the day to block the heat of the sun. With the window treatments closed, you have several layers of insulation including the layer of air between the window panes and the layer of air between the panes and the curtains.

3. Film

If you like to have your window treatments open so you can enjoy the view, you may want to add film to your windows. Film can block the sun's UV rays from entering your home, and they also reduce the amount of heat coming in from the sun's rays, complementing the effect of your windows.

4. Low E-Coating

If you are still in the process of selecting your double-glazed windows, request a low e-coating. Low emissivity refers to the conductivity value of an object. Glass is a natural conductor. That means that heat moves through it. As a result, the sun can heat up the glass on the outside of the house, and conduct the heat through the glass on the inside of the window, in a process much like a passive solar heater. However, you can reduce this effect by choosing a coating that lowers the emissivity levels of your window's glass.

5. Light Colour Window Frames

Finally paint the window frames around your double-glazed windows with a light colour. White, light blue, yellow and other pale shades reflect light rather than absorbing it. As a result, less heat and light hit your windows, helping them be more efficient.