11 Cheap Ways to Block Heat from Windows or Doors
As temperatures rise during the summer months, home and apartment dwellers often find themselves struggling to keep their homes cool without breaking the bank.
One effective way to beat the heat is by blocking it from entering through windows or doors in the first place.
While there are many expensive solutions available, such as installing new energy-efficient windows or investing in a high-end air conditioning unit, there are also several cheap and easy ways to go about this.
Some solutions are certainly more attractive than others, and if looks aren’t important, you can block heat almost for free (which we will cover).
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective and affordable options for keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Whether you’re looking for simple DIY solutions or low-cost products, you’re sure to find a solution that fits your budget.
Most of these options are also renter-friendly!
Understanding Heat Transfer
Sunlight (and, by extension, heat) feels hotter through glass because of its properties. Glass isn’t a great conductor of heat, but is an amazing conductor of light – that’s why we use it.
Light passes through the glass and turns into heat energy. This then can’t escape, meaning it sits in the air around your glass windows and doors. It’s why heat feels hotter in front of a window than elsewhere.
So, the main reason why heat enters through windows is because of direct exposure to the sun, but also to hot air.
If you have a balcony or veranda, the floor material can make a big difference, too.
In sunny areas, we often choose flooring based on its reflective properties. After all, the last thing we want is a hot floor when walking on it. But it has to reflect this heat somewhere, such as into your home.
Shiny and light-colored floors reflect heat the most, while dull and dark floors absorb it. Wood is a decent absorber of heat, but varnished or painted wood will generally reflect it. Similarly, tiles reflect heat, whereas natural stone often absorbs it.
The bottom line is that your outdoor area could be a big contributor to the heat entering through your windows or doors. We’ll offer some suggestions below to combat this, and you can also check out our dedicated article on ways to cool down your outdoor space.
Cheap Solution 1: Blackout Blinds
Arguably the best way to block heat from windows is with blackout blinds or shades, and you can find ones for under $30.
They’re designed to block up to 100% of light, which also blocks heat. Of course, this does mean sitting in the dark, but it’s a small sacrifice if your home is too hot.
Estimated cost: around $30
Cheap Solution 2: Aluminum Foil
If looks are not at all important and you want to spend almost nothing, covering your windows with aluminum foil is the next best option. Foil reflects heat, which is generally why we use it in cooking. This also makes it ideal for covering your windows.
It’s also one of the quickest and most convenient options since it’s very likely that you already have some on hand, so it’s a great hack if you want something done ASAP.
Again, while it does block out light, it looks pretty awful. Think about your neighbors, too, as shiny foil could blind them or make a nearby building much hotter thanks to all the light it reflects.
Estimated cost: free if you already have some
Cheap Solution 3: Shade sail/awning
As mentioned, your outdoor area could be making your heat problem worse. So, one of the best cheap ways to block heat from windows is to use a shade sail. You could buy one or make it yourself. We have a guide on DIY balcony shades, so check that out if a DIY project is more your style.
Adding an outdoor awning is another option. Awnings will be pricier than most other options on this list, though.
Estimated cost: around $30+
Cheap Solution 4: Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap is a surprisingly good heat insulator. The little air pockets trap heat and stop it from transferring through the material. Again, it won’t look the best, but it can reduce heat transfer by up to 50%.
The advantage over aluminum foil is that it’ll let in light, too. Also, you can get it for free (or close to it), and it’ll insulate in the winter. Overall, it’s perhaps the best way to block heat from windows for free.
Estimated cost: free if you already have some
Cheap Solution 5: Cellular Blinds
Cellular blinds basically have small pockets (cells) of air in the middle. Like bubble wrap, these insulate and so reduce heat transfer. In fact, cellular shades can reduce heat transfer by up to 60%.
Estimated cost: around $30+
Cheap Solution 6: Hanging Blankets
Another solution that’s practically free!
If you’re looking for an immediate and short-term solution, hang some blankets over your windows and doors. Quilted fabric will be the best option because it has several layers, which trap heat.
Securing it in place is the only issue, but you could use anything from a curtain rail to tapes or tapestry hangers.
Estimated cost: free
Cheap Solution 7: Window film
If aluminum foil really isn’t for you, consider using reflective window film. It does the same job but will still let some light in while blocking up to 80% of the sun’s glare.
You can also get tinted or frosted window films, which let in light but aren’t the best way to block heat from windows.
Estimated cost: under $45
Cheap Solution 8: Get a Rug
Putting a rug on your balcony probably isn’t the first thing you think of when trying to cool it down, but it can help reduce reflection from the floor, which ultimately can result in cooling your indoor space.
The color doesn’t really matter, as fabric isn’t as reflective as materials like stone or tiles. Of course, if you want it to remain cool, choose a lighter color.
Estimated cost: under $25
Cheap Solution 9: Use Plants
Plants are almost perfect for blocking heat from your windows. After all, they absorb it for energy, so it’s the best of both worlds. The EPA states that plants can reduce temperatures by up to 9F.
You’ll want something fairly tall, but this could also act as a natural privacy screen.
Estimated cost: under $25
Cheap Solution 10: Set up an Umbrella
Much like setting up a shade on your balcony, an umbrella is one of the better cheap ways to block heat from windows.
Unlike a shade, you can take it down when it’s not needed, although that does mean finding somewhere to store it.
Estimated cost: under $50
Cheap Solution 11: Add Curtains, and Shut Them
This is a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s one of the best cheap ways to block heat from windows or doors.
Simply install – and shut your curtains. Curtains prevent light and heat from entering the room, instead trapping it near the windows. Blackout curtains work best, although any kind of insulated curtains will be fine.
If you’re after a super inexpensive solution, check in thrift stores for velvet drapes. They’re usually lined, meaning they’re very thick.
Estimated cost: under $25
Final Thoughts
The best way to block heat from windows or doors is to use either a reflective or insulating material. If you want the cheapest option, it’ll be aluminum foil or bubble wrap.
Of course, neither looks great on your windows, so consider splashing out on something more exotic like window film or new blinds. It might seem like a bit of an investment, but it should save you some good money on your AC bill.
