While it can be nice to get some heat through our windows on a cold day, too much heat could start to make our home feel uncomfortable. If the sunlight coming through windows is turning your home into a pressure cooker, here are some steps that you can take to turn down the temperature.
Draw the curtains
Keeping the curtains closed on a hot day is a simple way to keep the heat out. Just make sure to draw them at the beginning of the day when it’s still cool – drawing the curtains when it’s already hot in your home may just trap the heat in, whereas doing it in the morning may help to keep the cool air from escaping. Blinds and shutters can also be effective.
Install a heat-reflective film
Want to still be able to enjoy the sunlight and see out of your window? Installing a heat-reflective film over your window will limit the amount of UV rays coming in while still allowing you to gaze outside your windows and also letting in some light. Compare some of the best home window film for heat rejection from Metro Tint. You can install this film yourself or hire someone to install it for you.
Face your fan towards the window
Where should you face a portable fan on a hot day? If it’s cooler outside, placing a fan by an open window facing into your home is a good idea, as it will bring cool air in from outdoors. However, if it’s hotter outside, directing a fan towards the window is actually a better solution for pushing hot air away. This might sound a bit crazy, but it really does work. Check out this post for other ways to keep your home cool with fans at House Beautiful.
Invest in double glazing
Some people think double pane windows are purely for insulation. However, double glazing works both ways – they can reduce heat from escaping in winter and limit heat coming in during the summer. Installing a new window isn’t cheap, but could be worth doing if your windows are old and due a replacement anyway. This could be a chance to also replace the frames and potentially improve other aspects of your windows such as security. It’s worth noting that you can also get windows triple glazed, which can reduce heat transfer through windows even more effectively,
Add awnings to windows
When it comes to south-facing windows that receive the full brunt of the sun, consider whether it could be worth installing awnings over the exterior of your windows. These can help to provide your windows with shade, limiting the heat that comes through. At the same time, you’ll still be able to see outside your windows. Retractable awnings can be a great solution as they can give you the choice between shade and no shade.
Which is the best solution for you?
The best solution for you depends on your budget, whether you want a permanent solution and whether you still want to be able to see outside your windows. In all these cases, limiting heat through your windows could prevent you from having to rely on AC to cool your home – hopefully saving you some money on your energy bills.
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