Don’t Sweat it! Keep a Cool Home By Blocking Window Heat

Many homeowners are looking for ways to keep their homes cool during the summer. Excessive heat coming in through windows can make rooms uncomfortable and drive up energy costs. By blocking window heat effectively, we can enjoy cooler indoor temperatures and lower AC bills.

There are several reasons why addressing heat gain through windows should be a priority:

• Reduce energy costs - AC units work harder to cool hot rooms with lots of sunlight. Blocking heat can cut AC runtime and lower electricity bills.
• Improve home comfort - Eliminating hot spots caused by intense sunlight makes homes more uniformly cool and comfortable.
• Protect furnishings - Excess UV rays shining through windows can cause fading on furniture, floors, and fabrics.

Assess Your Windows' Heat Gain

Before selecting any window treatments, it's important to assess the extent of solar heat gain through your home's windows. Several factors impact how much heat enters through windows:

• Direction windows face - South-facing windows receive the most direct sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Time of day with direct sunlight - Windows facing east see morning sun, west windows get hot afternoon light.
• Single vs. double paned glass - Single pane allows much more heat conduction than insulating double pane.
• Window frame materials - Metal frames conduct more heat compared to vinyl, fiberglass or wood.

Take note of which rooms and windows receive the most sunlight at different times of day. South or west-facing windows with single panes may benefit most from heat blocking treatments. Observe the path of sunlight through each window to target the times of greatest heat gain.

Combining Interior and Exterior Window Treatments

One effective approach is using interior window shades or blinds in combination with exterior window screens or awnings. Here's how this layered strategy works:

• Interior blinds - Adjustable to control sunlight and heat entering the room.
• Exterior shades - Block more heat and glare before it passes through windows.

With exterior shades blocking the brunt of the heat and light, interior blinds won't need to be fully closed. This allows some natural sunlight in while still providing protection from intense heat and glare.

Reflective Window Materials

Installing window treatments made of heat-reflective materials can significantly reduce solar heat coming in through glass. Options like window quilts and thermal curtains can help reflect heat back outside:

• Window quilts - Lightweight, removable inserts filled with insulating materials that block and reflect heat.
• Thermal curtains - Made of layered reflective fabrics to trap heat between window and curtain.

Other affordable reflective materials like metallic window films or simply hanging aluminum foil over windows can bounce heat away as well. In winter, these types of curtains help keep warm air in.

Tinting and Window Films

Window tint films are thin sheets, typically made of polyester, that stick directly to glass surfaces. They come in darkened tints that can absorb and reflect up to 70% of incoming heat before it passes through windows. Key benefits include:

• Reduce air conditioning costs by blocking heat.
• Protect interior furnishings from sun damage.
• Available in a variety of tint levels and colors.

Window tinting film can be installed on the interior or exterior glass surface. exterior tinting blocks more heat but interior films are often preferred for easier application and lower cost.

Strategic Landscaping for Shade

Trees, shrubs, trellises and other landscaping features located close to the house can provide beneficial shade for windows. Foliage blocks sunlight before the heat hits glass and enters the home's interior. Some tips:

• Plant deciduous trees to block summer sun while allowing winter light.
• Evergreen trees provide year-round shade and privacy.
• Position plantings to shade windows during peak sunlight hours.

This natural approach to blocking window heat can also enhance curb appeal and provide habitat for birds. But it requires more long-term planning as landscaping takes years to mature.

Window Awnings and Overhangs

Window awnings and overhangs act as permanent shades fixed above windows. Made of materials like aluminum, canvas, acrylic or vinyl, they extend outward to block angled sunlight.

• Mount above windows to block high-altitude midday sun.
• Made in a variety of colors and patterns to match home style.
• Provide constant shade without need to adjust window treatments.

For south-facing windows, extended horizontal overhangs block high noon sun in summer when rays are more direct. But they allow lower-angled sunlight through in winter to naturally warm homes.

Consider Window Frame Materials

Along with glass, window frames can influence heat conduction. Materials like wood and vinyl offer more insulation. Whereas metal frames tend to conduct and transmit heat more readily indoors. Comparing frame options:

• Wood - Natural insulator but requires high maintenance.
• Vinyl - Budget option that insulates fairly well.
• Fiberglass - Composite material that insulates better than metal.
• Aluminum - Strong and durable but conducts heat efficiently.

Replacing single pane windows with high-performance insulated window units can make a big difference. But also consider frame materials for blocking heat flow.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

For simple fixes like curtains, blinds and window film, DIY installation is straightforward. But hiring a professional ensures proper installation for some systems:

• DIY - Cheaper but requires skill and effort. Better for simpler window treatments.
• Professional - More expensive but higher quality. Ideal for complex window shading systems.

Factor in your time, abilities and project scope. In some cases, the investment of hiring a skilled installer pays off in the long run.

Other Simple DIY Solutions

For renters and homeowners on a budget, there are effective low-cost DIY ways to block window heat gain. Give these simple solutions a try before investing in major upgrades:

• Blackout curtains in light colors block heat yet still allow air and light flow when opened.
• Bubble wrap and reflective window films are removable DIY options.
• Decorative window clings with tinted or mirrored coatings reflect heat.

Test different temporary materials first before installing fixtures and landscaping. Check your window heat control needs seasonally and adjust treatments as needed.

To keep window treatments working effectively:

• Clean dust and grime off shades and screens seasonally to maximize solar reflection.
• Check for damage, discoloration or wear to catch problems early.
• Store quilts, films and other removable products properly when not needed.

Proactively maintaining window treatments saves energy by optimizing their heat blocking performance day after day, season after season.

We can reduce solar heat gain through glass with a combination of exterior and interior window treatments. Stay cool this summer and save energy by keeping the heat where it belongs...outside your home! Evaluate your space, climate and lifestyle to devise the optimal plan for blocking irritating heat and glare from entering your windows.