Large west, east and north-facing windows should be shaded for increased energy efficiency. External shading is much more effective at keeping your home cool than internal blinds or curtains, as it stops the heat reaching the glass, but using both external and internal window coverings will provide maximum protection.
During summer days, you should close draperies on windows receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Curtains, sealed blinds and shutters
Curtains lined with a layer of heavy material can reduce heat loss from a room through the window at night and cut draughts. Hollow blinds, fitted into place with a sealed frame, and sealed shutters will also help cut draughts and keep your heat in for longer.
Consider covering your windows with aluminum foil for a quick and budget-friendly solution. This reflective material efficiently blocks out light and is readily available.
Cellular Shades
They're one of the best window coverings to keep heat out and to keep cold out. Cellular shades come in a wide range of colors.
According to the HowToGoSolar, a free online resource geared toward educating homeowners on the benefits of solar power and energy efficiency, bubble wrapped windows show insulating improvements that are 50% better on single-glazed windows, cutting utility bills almost in half.
Because blinds require slats to function, heat can easily escape through the slats. Whereas, curtains don't require slats so heat is easily maintained. The thicker the curtain is the more insulated they are. However, in summer, blinds are better than curtains for energy efficiency.
3M Prestige Series: The 3M Prestige Series is a top choice for homeowners looking to reduce heat while maintaining the natural light and aesthetics of their windows.
Cardboard and Aluminium Foil
Consider using cardboard and aluminium foil for a temporary and highly budget-friendly solution. Cut the cardboard to fit your window panes and cover it with aluminium foil to reflect sunlight.
Aluminium foil is both pliable, cheap and highly resistant to high temperatures. Spreading tin foil on any windows that receive direct sunlight can redirect the sun and heat away from your home.
Solar heat absorption: The plastic film absorbs a significant amount of the sun's heat energy that would normally be reflected away by the glass. Heat trapping: The absorbed heat is then trapped inside the plastic layer, creating a warm microclimate between the plastic and the window glass.
Draw curtains, lower blinds and close shutters, especially in rooms that are exposed to the sun. Choose pale colours. They will reflect both the light and the heat, rather than absorbing them. Keep bedrooms in the dark during the day.
Coverings and shading
External shading is much more effective at keeping your home cool than internal blinds or curtains, as it stops the heat reaching the glass, but using both external and internal window coverings will provide maximum protection.
Thick curtains are one of the main ways to protect your house from losing heat through the windows. Curtains with a thermal lining are a relatively cheap option, says Brennand. "The thicker the better," adds Archna Luthra, consumer analyst at moneysavingexpert.com.
While old windows might still be functional, there's a good chance they're not very efficient. Windows that are over 20 years old should be replaced.
What's the point of using plastic wrap? Plastic wrap is a great solution to save money when you have drafty windows. Plastic does an excellent job of keeping the heat from escaping if it stays intact.
Apply the bubble wrap while the window is still wet and press it into place. The bubble side goes toward the glass. To remove the bubble wrap, just pull it off starting from a corner.