How can I block heat of the sun without blocking out all the light?
by
Wendy
+3
Most of my windows face east/west so the sun coming in can really heat up a room despite the ac running. Is there a way to keep the light coming in while still managing to block the heat out? I put foil on the lower half of my western facing bedroom windows but it has only served to make the room darker not cooler. It makes it uncomfortable to try and sleep even with my little fan blowing on me.
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Check out the rolls of window cling type material to see if anything would do the trick for you. I have the same problem in two bedrooms, but on the east side. The morning sun really heats them up. I keep a sun block shade down in one, the other has hanging plants in front of the window so we can't do anything about that one. I don't mind blocking the sun in the bedroom as I will wake up as soon as it starts getting light outside well before sunrise. This allows me to at least sleep until around 7 a,m,
You can purchase UV window film from most big box stores. If they don't carry it, Amazon has it.
I've seen some paper material blinds. They look like they can let light in but not glear you to death from the sunshine. I'm not sure about heat. I live my eclipse curtains. depending on the level. Depends what you get with sunlight entering. They help with heat and cool in winter and summer. I had drafty windows and they helped a ton before replacing. The good ones do block more sunlight out but there are different levels last I checked. Or get a double hung curtain rod. Get sheer type for when u want sunlight and the good ones to block the light/heat during the hottest bleary part of the day.
What I would do atleast.
If there are screens on the windows , there is a DIY replacement screen material that comes in different densities of light transmittance and can reduce sun heat by up to 70%. See info at www.wholesalescreenandglass.com
Tint the windows .
i appreciate everyone's responses this far it's definitely given me some ideas. I had no idea about the screen material and will have to check that stuff out for sure. I should note that we're on a fixed income and both my hubby and I have physical disabilities so somedays we spend more time in our room than we would like which is why I would like to control the heat bit not the light that comes in the windows. Cheaper to try and do that than it is to turn the ac down more or have lights on all the time. Thanks again everyone for the tips they're greatly appreciated!!!