What To Put On Windows To Keep Heat Out? [8 Ideas]
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The sun’s heat is vital for the earth as it warms up the seas, provides energy to growing plants, and stirs our atmosphere. However, during summer, excess heat is harmful to humans, causing sunburns.
Besides, it increases our energy bill as the cooling systems try hard to maintain proper temperature.
The good news is that you can block the excess heat from sunlight by putting several items on your window.
Before you place anything, you should know its pros, cons, and how effective they are.
Without wasting any time, here are some of the items that you can put on your windows to keep heat out:
Window Blinds
Window blinds come with slats adjustable to control the light and heat coming to your home. Usually, there are two types of blinds – vertical slat-type or horizontal slat-type. Both of them are exceptional when it comes to blocking heat.
A report by the Department of Energy (DOE) states that high-reflection blinds can reduce solar heat gain by about 45%. Nonetheless, window blinds are ineffective against heat as they have numerous openings between the slats.
Comparatively, exterior window blinds are more effective than interior window bids. Nevertheless, external window blinds are ideal for newly constructed houses, as it’s hard to install them on already built homes. If you have to use an interior window blind, ensure it is highly reflective.
One thing that is quite unfavorable is that your outside view will be obscured due to these window blinds.
When installed properly, interior window blinds can reflect the light towards the ceiling, which disperses the light without creating a lot of heat inside the room.
So, if you have a lot of light that enters your window, interior window blinds will be the best for blocking light and heat.
Window films are the best item to block glare, UV light, and solar heat. It can block up to 80% solar heat gain. Unlike most of the products on this list, window films are easy to install. Besides, they do not block the outside view as some products do on this list.
Window films are usually made up of three layers; a polyester film layer, an adhesive layer that sits against the glass, and a scratch-resistant coating. It cuts down the heat gain and the amount of light entering your home.
You must note that not all the films are suitable for every glass. Consider factors like window pane size and glass thickness when selecting a window film. A wise selection is necessary to avoid future problems like cracking of glass due to thermal stress. This happens particularly when the glass edges are damaged.
Note that the effectiveness of the window film depends on the window orientation, size of the window glazing area, building orientation, climate, and interior insulation of the window.
The most effective window film for blocking heat gain is the silvermirror-like film.
Insulated Cellular Shades
If you live in a hot climate, insulated cellular shades are the best as it blocks 80% of the unwanted heat. Insulated cellular shades consist of pleated materials and feature one or more air layers in a honeycomb cross-section.
The honeycomb cross-section is crucial as it reduces conduction, which helps to block some heat from entering your home.
Besides, shades will also give you privacy and increases your home’s resale value. When picking a cellular shade, ensure it has a white exterior to avoid attracting heat.
Moreover, pick a cellular shade with light filtering fabric if you want some light in the room. But to block around 99% of light and heat from entering your room, pick a cellular shade with a blackout fabric.
Curtains And Drapes
Curtains and drapes are also crucial for reducing the amount of heat that enters our home. Apart from keeping the heat out, this product adds vigor to our rooms with its beautiful look. However, their ability to block heat depends on the color and fabric the curtain and drape are made of.
The best curtains and drapes to block heat should be medium-colored with white-plastic backings. Additionally, it should have liners. This will help to reduce solar heat gain by at least 33%.
You can install a cornice at the top of the drapery to block sunlight. As an extra precautionary step, you can place several drape panels close together to the window to stop heat accumulation inside the room.
If you want the curtains and draperies to be more effective, ensure to hang them very close to the window.
Window Quilts
If you are unwilling to spend on an insulated cellular cover, you should opt for window quilts. Like insulated cellular covers, window quilts also have a high R-value to block heat effectively. However, they are cumbersome to install and maintain, which might be challenging.
Besides, window quilts also block out the light. They usually fit great against the trim, either on tracks or with an attachment like snaps or Velcro.
Also, window quilts will help you save on utility bills as the cooling system can’t work alone to maintain the temperature.
Awnings
If you don’t want to block heat from inside your house, you can opt for awnings installed outside. The awning is a roof-like shelter installed on a home’s exterior that shades windows from the sun’s heat and glare. Awnings come in two options – retractable or fixed.
Besides, awnings can reduce the temperature from 65% to 80% in summer. However, some only cover one window, while others cover the entire side of the house. So, the choice is yours.
Additionally, awnings are available in different materials like canvas and synthetic fabrics. Consider getting an awning made from opaque, tightly woven, and light-colored fabric. This is perfect for dispelling sunlight, meaning less heat will get into the house.
Exterior Shutters And Shades
Other outstanding exterior window cover items to keep heat out are exterior shutters and shades. Shutters are available in materials like wood, aluminum, fabric, vinyl, or even steel.
When buying exterior shutters and shades, ensure it has tiny openings. This helps resist heat. The tinnier the holes, the lesser heat will get into your home.
Bubble Wrap Window Installation
You must have seen the bubble wrap (air trapped in numerous small pockets), especially around a fragile item to provide the necessary cushioning effect to the item. However, it can also be used as a heat blocker in your home.
These are perfect for homeowners on a tight budget. It’s not the most aesthetically pleasing on the market but is effective in blocking heat.
For bubble wraps to work effectively, ensure it’s tightly wrapped and sealed around the glass. Bubble wraps are durable and can last for at least 7 years before being replaced.
Summary
If you’re tired of the excess heat that comes into your home during summer, installing one of the above items will help keep the heat out.
Additionally, you will save a lot on your energy bill as your cooling system will not be tasked a lot to keep your home cool.
Make sure you choose the right items after considering all the factors. With this information, you can lock heat out of your home and have peace of mind!
