BEAT the HEAT: 5 Easy DIY Window Hacks to Slash Your Cooling Bills, by Make It or Break It on YouTube. 6 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Measure the glass and the frame of the sunny window. Note which hours the sun hits it directly, because that is when each method will help most.
Clean the glass, wet it with soapy water and press the thermal film on. Squeegee the water out from the centre to the edges so no bubbles are left.
Hang a lightweight sheer curtain across the window. It softens the glare but blocks very little heat, so treat it as the weakest option.
Pull down blinds with 2 inch slats and tilt them almost closed. Keep the slats slightly open at the top so some air still moves.
Swap to heavy curtains and close them fully during the hottest hours. Choose a light colour that faces the sun and keep the fabric off the glass.
Lay a 3/16 inch foam board on a flat surface and cut it to the window opening with a utility knife. Score slowly and cut away from your body.
Press the board into the frame so it sits flush against the glass. Add a small handle of tape so you can pull it out when you want the light back.
Compare the surfaces with a thermal camera or the back of your hand. Check the glass, the board and the curtain to see which one stays coolest.
Combine the two best results, usually the foam board plus a heavy curtain, for the biggest drop in heat.
Tips and common mistakes
Foam board blocks the view and the light, so use it on a window you do not need during the day.
Let the film and glass warm up to room temperature before you apply it, or it will trap bubbles.
Never seal a room completely with board and curtains, because trapped heat and stale air make it worse.
Measure the opening twice and cut the board slightly small, since a tight board is hard to remove.
Questions
Which hack blocks the most heat?
The solid foam board came out ahead because it stops the sun before it reaches the room. A heavy curtain is the best option if you still want some daylight.
Will window film damage the glass?
Not if you fit it properly and remove it slowly. Cheap film left on for years in strong sun can be hard to peel off.
Can I do this in a rented flat?
Yes. The film, curtains and foam board are all removable and need no drilling or permanent changes.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
