Sun coming in west window of house, how do I keep the room cool?
by
Susan M
+5
We have put in a new AC, however in the afternoon this room is still HOT. There are wooden blinds on the windows. I am thinking of putting a sun block film on them. Any feed back on this idea and what to use or do is appreciated. HELP.
8 answers
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Blinds help, but aren't as efficient as lined drapes, or lined drapes over blinds. Most efficient, though, is blocking the sun before it even gets to the windows. Window awnings are not inexpensive, but they make a huge difference. And they have some very attractive ones out there. Since you have windows, plural, to do, you might find that it's just as cost effective to do a single, wide awning that spans the offending wall, instead of separate ones. That way, you'll block the sun from heating up the walls as well. With the payoff of more comfortable, usable living space and reduced cooling bills, you might want to do the cost benefit ratio. Don't forget to include depreciation of furniture, flooring, upholstery, etc. due to sun damage. And that happens faster than you think. In the meantime, yes, I'd get some sun block film on them asap. I've never done it myself, but I have see some diy efforts at other people's homes and--how do I say this charitably? lol--there's apparently a huge range of product quality and skill levels that will affect the finished look and function. I'm sure Hometalkers with experience and expertise in this area will chime in with some good advice for you on sun block film. Good luck! I know how frustrating it is to lose the use of half your house in the summer, not to mention miserable. I now have a large, remote control retractable awning that helps immensely, but could really use another one. Love the solar heat in the winter. In summer, not so much.
Kate
on Jun 16, 2015
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If possible, hang a bamboo shade on the OUTSIDE of the window and leave it down during the day along with the blinds. Or use blackout curtains over wooden blins.
Terese Gaugh
on Jun 16, 2015
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I live in Texas and I feel your pain. The 5 o'clock sun hits the front of our house full on. We got dark screens put on the front of the house. You can DIY it (wish I knew that before:) ) or have a company do it. It was the best money we have spent. Doesn't allow as much light in, but more that drapes and it lowered the AC bill. A bonus is that no one can see inside during the day.
Becky
on Jun 16, 2015
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Gila Titanium Heat Control Window Film - available from the big box improvement stores for diy. Supposedly reflects up 70% infrared heat.
Advanced Surface Treatments
on Jun 17, 2015
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I have both sun block screens and drapes with heat blocking properties on my sliding glass door. Have made a huge difference in maintaining a cooler interior. Although I agree with @Becky that the screens block light, it is a trade off I am particularly happy to make.
Susan E
on Jun 17, 2015
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In the summer I put up solar screens on the front of my house. You can buy it by the roll at Loews or Home Depot. I just cut to length and thumb tack them up inside of the window frame . You can still see out which I really like and they are easy, inexpensive and will drop temperature 8 - 10 degrees.. It's been upper 90's here and I have not turned on my downstairs unit yet
Lizabeth
on Jun 17, 2015
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Our house in Sydney also faces West. I have outside shade blinds that are always down, even in winter sometimes. I also had tinting film put on the windows. I have cedar venetians and they also help to cut down the heat/glare. It's important to stop the sun/heat from coming in thru' the windows in the first place. Can you install a ceiling fan. I have them going most of the summer. Depending on the size of your windows, your hardware store may have ready-made blinds for outside. Can't recommend them enough.
Gabrielle Falk
on Jun 17, 2015
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You might consider putting an awning or umbrella up to shade your window from the outside.
Darla
on Jun 23, 2015
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