How to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows
Do you get frustrated by the intense sun beating down on your windows? Unwanted heat from sunlight entering your home not only makes it uncomfortable but can also cause expensive energy bills and damage to interior furnishings. Fortunately, there are plenty of inexpensive strategies you can use to keep the hot light out while still enjoying the natural lighting. Keep reading to learn more about how to block sunlight heat from windows!
Having a home that is comfortable, both in temperature and environment, year-round can seem like a daunting task. With temperatures rising in summer months, extra precautions need to be taken to keep your home nicely cooled – starting with blocking the sunlight heat from windows. Blocking out this heat can reduce energy costs by as much as 30%, plus lower inside temperature levels significantly. In this blog post, we’ll explain just how to block sunlight heat from your windows easily and cheaply and create an interior climate you can enjoy all year round!
Why is It Important to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows?
There are many reasons why it is important to block sunlight heat from windows, including:
1. Reducing Cooling Costs
One of the biggest benefits of blocking sunlight from windows is that it can help reduce cooling costs by keeping your home or office cooler during the summer months. This can not only help you save money on utility bills, but also help to improve indoor comfort levels and prevent uncomfortable temperatures in your home or office.
2. Preventing Fading
Another major benefit of blocking sunlight from windows is that it can help prevent fading of furniture, rugs, and other items in your home or office. This is because excessive exposure to sunlight can cause these items to lose their color and become damaged over time.
3. Protecting Your Skin
In addition to keeping your home or office cooler, blocking sunlight from windows can also help protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. This is particularly important for those who spend a lot of time indoors, as unprotected exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer and other serious health problems over time.
4. Increasing Privacy
Finally, blocking sunlight from windows can also help increase privacy by reducing the visibility of the inside of your home or office from the outside. This can be especially useful for people who live in busy, crowded areas where privacy is at a premium.
Whether you are looking to reduce cooling costs, prevent fading, protect your skin, or increase privacy, blocking sunlight heat from windows can be a great way to achieve these goals and more.
13 Ideas On How to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows
1. Install Window Shades
Window shades are an effective and affordable way to block excess sunlight and heat from windows. They come in a range of designs and materials, including blackout shades that reduce incoming light by 99%.
2. Hang Curtains
Hanging curtains over your window is another simple way to keep heat out of your home. Curtains provide a physical barrier to sunlight, and can be customized in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials.
3. Use Window Films
Another inexpensive option for blocking light and heat from windows is window films. These thin sheets are installed directly on the glass surface of your windows, and they come in a range of reflective coatings that can reduce glare and heat.
4. Install Reflective Window Treatments
If you’re looking for a more decorative option, reflective window treatments are another great way to help block sunlight and heat from your windows. These treatments can include external blinds or curtains that reflect light away from the windows, or insulating film stickers that can be applied directly to the glass.
5. Use Window Tint
Window tint is another easy way to reduce heat and sunlight from your windows. This film is applied directly to the window surface, and it can help block 97% of incoming light while also reducing glare and fading from furniture or flooring.
6. Add Reflective Coatings
Another great option for blocking sunlight and heat from your windows is to add a reflective coating directly to the glass. This can be done through specialized window film, or by adding small pieces of reflective tape to your existing windows.
7. Install Solar Reflective Blinds
Another decorative option for blocking excess sunlight and heat from your windows is solar reflective blinds. These blinds feature a layer of reflective coating, which helps reflect sunlight away from the windows and keep your home cool.
8. Use External Window Treatments
If you have large windows or sliding glass doors, external window treatments may be an ideal choice for keeping excess heat and sunlight out of your home. Options include retractable awnings, window shutters, or external blinds that can be customized to your needs.
9. Install Solar Screens
Solar screens are another great option for blocking sunlight and heat from your windows. These screens feature a tightly woven fabric that helps diffuse incoming light, and they come in a range of colors to help match the style of your home.
10. Plant Trees Near Windows
If you’re looking for a more natural way to block sunlight and heat from your windows, consider planting trees or other vegetation nearby. Strategically placing plants near windows can provide shade throughout the day, helping to keep your home cool and comfortable.
11. Use Window Reflectors
To further reduce heat and sunlight from your windows, consider using window reflectors. These devices can be placed over your windows to redirect light away from your home, helping keep temperatures low even on the hottest days of the year.
12. Install Solar Panels
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to block sunlight and heat from your windows, consider installing solar panels. These energy-efficient devices not only help you reduce your energy usage, but they can also help keep excess heat and sunlight out of your home.
13. Consider Removable Window Treatments
Finally, if you’re looking for a temporary solution to block sunlight and heat from your windows, consider removable window treatments. These easy-to-install options include temporary curtains or shades that can be removed from your windows whenever you need to let in some light and heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should I Take to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows?
There are several steps that you can take to effectively reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home through windows. These include installing window films, using window treatments like blinds or curtains, and placing reflective panels on windows.
Additionally, you may want to consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows if possible, as this can help deflect excess heat and keep your home cooler. It’s also important to remember to close curtains or blinds during hot days, as this can help reduce the amount of sunlight that directly enters your windows. Ultimately, taking these steps can help protect your home from excess heat and keep you more comfortable during warm weather.
Should I Use Window Treatments to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows?
Yes, using window treatments like blinds or heavy curtains can help reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that comes into your home through windows. These window treatments can also provide additional insulation to help keep your home cooler in warmer weather. Additionally, by closing blinds or curtains during hot days, you can help prevent excess sunlight from entering your home and causing it to heat up.
Are There Any Other Strategies That I Can Use to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows?
Yes, there are several other strategies that you can use to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home through windows. These include installing window films or reflective panels on your windows, upgrading to energy-efficient windows if possible, and closing curtains or blinds during hot days.
By taking these steps, you can help keep your home cooler and more comfortable year-round, even in hot weather. Additionally, by being proactive about blocking sunlight from entering your windows, you can also prevent damage to furniture and other household items.
How Much Will Installing Window Treatments to Block Sunlight Heat From Windows Cost?
The cost of installing window treatments to block sunlight and heat from windows will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your home and the type of window treatments that you choose. However, on average, standard window treatments can range from $50 to $200 per window, while higher-end options may cost more.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you figure out how to block sunlight heat from windows. By using some or all of the techniques we’ve discussed, you can keep your home cool during the summer months and save on energy costs. Do you have any other tips for blocking sunlight and heat? Share them with us in the comments below!
By following the tips we have provided in this blog post, you can easily block sunlight heat from your windows without compromising on style or comfort. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
