Summer Insulation: How to Insulate Windows to Keep Heat Out

Many don't realize they can insulate windows to keep the heat out. This quick guide will explain several affordable and sustainable DIY options to keep your home cool.

DIY Window Insulation to Keep Heat Out

While many dread the heat of the summer, it might not cross your mind that you can insulate your home for the summer as well as winter. Insulating windows is not only helpful for keeping heat in – it also can help keep heat out. This helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature without the need for air conditioning or fans. This way you can cut down on your carbon footprint, as well as your energy bill. The following sections provide five suggestions of summer insulation, but there are lots of other ways to cool down your home without air conditioning. 

1. Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is the process of sealing cracks and crevices in your home where air can get through. This takes minimal effort, and even plugging small spaces can make a big difference in keeping heat out. It’s also very affordable. 

The first step in weatherstripping is to inspect your windows and doors and identify any spots where there is a draft. You can seal these spaces with materials such as wood, felt, or self-adhesive weatherstripping tape. Wood is the best choice if you have a wooden window or door and you need to seal a space which will not be effected by movement. Otherwise, felt and self-adhesive tape may be necessary. Both these options are great for small spaces, and for the borders of your windows and doors where air often gets through. We recommend looking for natural and sustainable weatherstripping materials. You may already have materials you can use just laying around the house.

2. Reflective Film

Reflecting the sun’s heat rays is a classic DIY strategy used to keep parked cars cool. Your household can benefit from this method as well. There are many options on the market for reflective films which provide a one-way tint which reflects UV rays without obstructing your window view. The benefits these films provide include easy application, temperature regulation, as well as privacy. They also help prevent birds from flying into your windows.

3. Honeycomb Blinds

Honeycomb blinds (also known as cell shades) are blinds which are made in a honeycomb structure. They are affordable, durable, easily installed, and convenient with a sleek look. These blinds block UV rays and help keep your home cool. They are helpful for bright days when you want to enjoy the sunlight without it beaming directly on you. We recommend blinds made from organic, sustainably-sourced materials. 

4. Wooden Shutters

Wooden shutters are a great option to insulate windows and keep heat out, because wood does not conduct heat well. Shutters are affordable, easy to install, and can be used inside or outside your window. They can also be used in addition to curtains or blinds, for even better insulation. It doesn’t hurt that they are also super cute!

5. Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are stylish, easily installed and extremely effective in insulating your windows from heat. These are perfect for extremely hot and bright summers. You can choose to close the curtains entirely and use a lamp for light, or keep them mostly closed, but open enough to fill the room with daylight. They are also convenient to use in parts of the home which are not often visited. If you work from home in your office most of the day, you may want to keep blackout curtains closed throughout the rest of the house so that it’s nice and cool when you go downstairs to make dinner and relax in the evening. Or if you are out of the house entirely, blackout curtains will keep your home safe from the sun so that it’s cool and inviting when you return. 

While blackout curtains are highly convenient and easy to use, they are a bit more expensive than regular curtains and other insulation options. However, they’re definitely worth the investment. We recommend blackout curtains made from organic, sustainable materials such as these from Rawganique**.

Read on:

• How to Beat the Heat: 6 Tips for Keeping Cool this Summer
• Water Conservation: 10 Tips on How to Save Water at Home
• Growing Tomatoes in Pots: How to Plant Them on Your Balcony
• Don’t Worry, Bee Happy: 10 Tricks to Keep Wasps Away

** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.

Tags: DIY Guide Household