Cheap way to block heat from windows: main and additional methods

Often in the summer, it happens that the temperature in your house is higher than the temperature outside the window. This happens because sunlight passes through your windows, and solar heat gains in the room. You can fight this heat with an air conditioner, or just learn how to block your windows from sunlight. So let’s find out a cheap way to block heat from windows!

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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The main ways to block heat from the window

There are many ways to combat the penetration of heat gain into the house through windows. Some are more expensive, others are cheaper. The same applies to the effectiveness of these methods. But only by comparing all the existing options, you will find one that suits you.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Heat blocking window shades

The quickest solution against sunlight that you can take is to install window shades. You can install shades quickly and by yourself. It may not solve the problem completely, but it will reduce the heat energy.

The secret is to choose the right shades and install them as close as possible to the window pane.

Also, pay attention to the color of the shades – light shades can reflect the sun’s rays. Thus, your house will still be light, but without solar heat gain.

Additionally, you can also install an additional side track to the shades so that they are located closer to the window and block sunlight heat.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Blockout roller or panel blinds

Another option is to install blinds on windows. Blinds can be of the blackout type, that is, opaque and not letting in sunlight.

Blinds have a reflective effect, and the closer they are to the glass, the better they block heat.

However, the downside of blackout blinds is that they block light, but not full heat energy. That is, in order not to let the heat into your house, you will have to keep the blinds closed all the time.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Does keeping blinds closed to keep heat out? 

Blinds can block the heat gain, but perhaps not as much as you would like. The efficiency of the blinds is only 45%.

However, the effectiveness may vary depending on some factors. For example, in which direction there are the windows in the room, what is the temperature outside, as well as the types of blinds that you use.

Various blinds have either vertical or horizontal sections. When the sections are completely closed, a certain amount of natural light, of course, gets into the room, but not heat.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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What are the best blinds to keep heat out?

Venetial slat-type blinds can effectively protect you from the sun’s heat. Such window blinds reflect perfectly sunlight at the moment when they are completely lowered.

However, thanks to a large number of slats, you can adjust yourself how much sunlight you want to let into the room.

Such blinds can even block sunlight heat, but light will be reflected on the ceiling.

Thus, the heat will not penetrate the room, but thanks to the light on the ceiling, which dissipates without glare, you will get excellent natural light.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Which way do you turn blinds to block the heat gain?

The rounded side of the blinds should be tilted outward, towards the window, and upward, towards the ceiling.

This position of the blinds will naturally direct heat to the ceiling, and the rest of the room will remain cool but illuminated.

When the sections of the blinds look down, there is a large gap between them for the penetration of heat and sunlight. In addition, the sun will heat the back of the blinds, which, over time, will begin to spread the heat around the room.

External window shading

To block sunlight heat, you can create an external window shading. This can be done with a sun visor, plants, and trees outside the window.

You can also use awnings or eaves that are installed from the outside at an angle. However, you will most likely need the help of a professional to do this.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Bubble wrap window insulation

Bubble wrap window insulation may be a temporary, but quick solution if you want to block heat from windows inexpensively.

How does the bubble wrap on the window work? Bubble wrap helps trap air and reduce solar heat gain. However, for this method to work, the film must fit snugly into the glass.

This is a very cheap solution to the problem, but it is unlikely that bubble wrap will be able to serve you for a long time. Rather, it’s a quick fix if you don’t have any other options.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Heat-reducing window film

Heat-reducing window film is a special insulating plastic film. The heat-reducing film is glued to the inner surface of the windows and acts on the same principle as the bubble wrap.

The big advantage of this method is that you will block heat from windows, but you can continue to enjoy a lot of natural light if you like it.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Additional ways to reduce heat gain

Reflective aluminum foils

If it is not important to you how it looks from the outside, as well as you want to save a lot on energy bills, and protect your home from unwanted heat, then you can use reflective aluminum foil.

The foil reflects the sun’s heat, so it is the cheapest, but very effective way to block heat from windows. It’s just as fast and convenient because the foil is probably in every home.

You may also be interested: Small room accent wall: best effective ideas

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Hanging blankets

If there is no time to wait and look for a more suitable option for protection from unwanted heat, then blankets that you can hang instead of curtains will help you out.

For these purposes, quilted fabric is perfect, since several layers protect well from the sun’s heat penetration. The only problem may be the way to secure the blanket. In this case, you can use everything – curtain rail, tapes or hooks, and so on.

Click here for the best Designer Tips on How to Hang Drapes.

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Carpet on the balcony

If additional heat enters your house through panoramic windows facing the balcony, then a small carpet laid on the balcony can improve the situation. It doesn’t matter what color this carpet will be. The main thing is that the carpet will not reflect sunlight, as a balcony covering can do.

Read our article Apartment balcony privacy screen for the best ideas for your design.

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Set up an umbrella

If there is no time to install a canopy or awning, then you can install a beach umbrella. This will create a shadow, blocking sunlight heat from entering the windows. And you can also move the umbrella depending on the movement of the sun in the sky.

Read also: Paint balcony walls – best colors and 10 design ideas

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Combining multiple methods

Quick and homemade methods of blocking windows from heat can undoubtedly help you, but not to the full extent.

For example, with the help of windows and blinds, you block the ingress of light inside, but sunlight still falls on the outside of the window. That is, the heat is slower but inevitably gets inside your house.

If you decide to make a shade outside your house, then the sun will not heat the windows, and green plants will improve the aesthetics of your home.

However, depending on the movement of the sun, the angle of incidence of the sun’s rays will change. That is, in some periods of the day, sunlight will still get into your house.

Bubble wrap or heat-reducing film does not improve the aesthetics of your home, and bubble wrap also greatly impairs visibility. Therefore, we cannot consider this decision the most successful either.

But you can get a good result by combining two or three methods. You can put a heat-reducing film on the window, install window shades, and a visor on the window outside.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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What happens if you stop opening the window?

If you decide that to prevent heat from entering the house, it is best not to open the windows, then you are mistaken. If your windows are always closed, then this negatively affects the quality of indoor air, and stale air is one of the main environmental problems.

If you do not ventilate your room, this means the accumulation of various odors, dust, harmful effects of air fresheners, cleaning products, tobacco smoke, mold, stoves, and heaters.

Which window treatment best protects you from the sun and heat?

According to the US Department of Energy, window shades are the most effective way to protect against solar heat. In addition to the color of the shades, their correct installation is also important.

You should install the shades close to the glass. Thus, an airtight seal is created, which minimizes the influx of heat. As for the color of the shades, you can choose two-tone shades with a bright shade on one side, and with a darker one on the other.

If you choose two-tone shades, then, depending on the season, you can swap them. For example, the light side will protect you from the penetration of excess heat in summer, and the dark side will keep you warm in winter.

Cheap way to block heat from windows
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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I put on my windows to keep the heat out?

You can use the most popular methods, such as window shades, blinds, plastic, or bubble wrap film on the window, as well as the use of aluminum foil.

How do I stop the sun from heating up my room?

You can use both methods of internal heat blocking, such as shades or blinds, and methods of external window blocking, such as awning, canopy, or plants. However, you will get the best effect if you combine several methods at the same time.

How do you stop a heated window from DIY?

First, look at what tools you have at hand, and how soon you want to stop heating.
To quickly solve the problem of heat blocking, you can use aluminum foil, bubble wrap, or hang blankets on the eaves – this is the fastest way to block the penetration of heat into the house.
If you have more time and money, then buy good shades or blinds, as well as install an awning outside the window.

What can I put in my windows to keep the heat out?

To keep the heat out of your windows, you can consider using reflective window films or shades. These products are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat gain. Additionally, installing blackout curtains or thermal blinds can help to block out the sun’s rays and keep your indoor space cooler.

How do I block sunlight from my windows?

To block sunlight from your windows, you can use a combination of methods. Installing blackout curtains or blinds with light-blocking materials is an effective way to prevent sunlight from entering your space.

You can also use window films designed to block UV rays and reduce heat transfer. Lastly, using window screens or awnings on the exterior of your windows can help to shade the glass and limit direct sunlight.

How do you block lights on windows without curtains?

If you prefer not to use curtains, there are alternative methods to block lights on windows. One option is using window blinds or shades made from light-blocking materials such as blackout shades or cellular shades.

Another option is applying frosted or opaque window films to create privacy and reduce the amount of light coming through the windows. Finally, you can also consider using window panels or screens made from materials that are specifically designed to block or diffuse light.

How do you let light in but not heat?

To allow light in while minimizing heat, you can use window treatments like solar shades or solar blinds. These specially designed shades or blinds filter out the sun’s heat while still allowing natural light to enter.

Another option is using low-emissivity (low-e) window glass, which has a thin coating that reduces heat transfer while allowing visible light to pass through. Additionally, installing window films that have heat-rejecting properties can block a significant amount of heat while maintaining a bright interior.

Conclusion

If you choose the right heat protection for your windows, then you can not only save money on your heating and cooling bills, but also make your home aesthetically more attractive. At the same time, excess heat will not penetrate your house in summer and will not leave it in winter.

Most of the ways to protect windows from heat, which we talked about, are simple and inexpensive. However, in some cases, such as installing an awning, you may need the help of a professional.

Jessica Kane

I’m interested in interior design, and especially solutions for small spaces. My motto is “small is beautiful”. I studied urban design at University and now work in urban planning.

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