How can we keep the sun from heating up our living room?
by
Laurie Burns
+7
Our west facing picture window allows the summer heat to bake our living room even though we have blinds and curtains. We thought some kind of overhang would help. The garage juts out perpendicular to the window. In between the garage and window is a front step and door entrance. Maybe even creating a small covered porch would help.
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A small covered porch with an overhang might help but it also might hold in the heat. If you can plant trees that shade the west side of your house that would be very helpful. Though it may take a while to notice the benefits. You can have larger trees transplanted at a cost.
Mine faces west too. I have a small covered porch in front of it. And rose bushes in front of the porch and a small crepe myrtle tree that is growing in the yard. For me it is a matter of replacing the windows, which I am in the process of doing. Would adding window film work? Would you be willing to live with blackout curtains? Typically they are pretty basic, but you could embellish them?
What about an awning? Aluminum foil in the window is unsightly, but works.
I used window film in my kitchen which used to be hotter than hades, and destroyed all blinds, fabrics and flooring. I put one-way window film that is heat and UV resistant. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075GYJ86Q/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvpv2_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3233965245922079678&pd_rd_wg=8UM9A&pf_rd_r=AMKRWC38YZ7RZN6VJMMH&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B075GYJ86Q&pd_rd_w=IP9K5&pf_rd_i=one-way+decorative+window+film+and+UV+heat+resistant&pd_rd_r=3c236b05-e768-49ae-b73d-00641bd06852&ie=UTF8&qid=1531526360&sr=3 comes in 4 colors
Hi Laurie,
We had the same problem in our kitchen, but it was only one window. I found a solar reflective shade that I installed. We pull it down during the late afternoon and evening then put it back up in the morning.
Another option would be sun UV ray blocking film - usually available at places like Lowes or Amazon. This film goes on the windows with no glue. It blocks the sun rays but lets in the light. We have this on all of our south facing windows and it really makes a huge difference. I hope this helps you. Wishing you the best.
First, try to prevent the sun from hitting the building in the first place. Shade trees, large overhangs, louvers can all do this. There may be micro louver screens available that appear to be heavy duty insect screens but are actually very small louvers. You can easily see through the louvers, but they prevent the sun from hitting the glass.
Second, reduce the impact of what sun does hit the building by reflecting it away. Transparent reflective film on the window and light colored wall finish will work for this measure.
Third, reduce conducted heat. Insulate the wall so the hot outer surface cannot easily heat the inner surface. Use dual glazing the same way, the hot outer pane cannot easily heat the inner pane.
Fourth, prevent the hot inner surfaces from heating the room's air. Typically drapery or similar treatments. Not just the window, the wall too. Even sheer drapes you can see through are better than nothing. They trap air between the glass and the fabric, creating additional insulating value to keep the heat out of the room, and reduce the transmitted light that would have further heated the room interior.
Thanks Everyone! I will consult with my husband and try the least costly first then progress. I definitely think planting a large tree and bushes would help for the future!
Maybe some lace curtains!?
What kind of blinds do you have? We got cellular shades at our last help and they made a big difference for insulation! That may make a big difference.