Hey everyone! I'm living in an apartment with a huge west-facing window, and I'm struggling with heat issues, especially during the afternoons when I'm trying to sleep. I've already got blackout curtains and I installed Gila insulating film a few months back, but my bedroom temperature is still around 78°F, which is warmer than the rest of my apartment. I'm also on medications that cause hot flashes, so I'm looking for any quick solutions to cool things down. Can I safely use foil or emergency blankets inside my window, perhaps behind the blinds to keep it discreet? And is there a potential fire hazard with that?
6 Answers
I've had good success using Reflectix, which is basically double-layered foil bubble wrap. It's great for insulation and doesn't seem to damage windows like plain foil might. You could try that if you're looking to keep the heat out!
Just a heads-up! Using foil like that might draw some unwanted attention. Keep your cozy vibes going in a chill way—there's always the living room window for visibility! ?
Haha, that’s what the living room is for, right?
Taping foil around my windows worked wonders when I was nocturnal. I taped it to the wood surrounding the glass, and it really helped cool down the room. You might also want to check if your air conditioning vents are adjustable—focusing more airflow into your bedroom can make a big difference! Good luck!
I once tried using foil inside my window, but it ended up cracking from the heat within days. I’d steer clear of that! Instead, have you thought about a window shrink wrap kit? It mainly helps with winter cold but also reduces heat gain in the summer. I recommend checking out the Frost King window wrap; it's pretty effective!
Thanks for the heads up! That Frost King looks promising and similar to what I used before.
If you're still finding it too warm, consider getting a portable air conditioner or a vent booster fan that can replace your vent cover. Those fans have variable speeds and can significantly help regulate temperature, especially in spaces that tend to heat up more. They’ve made a big difference for us upstairs, where it always gets hotter in the summer!
It sounds like you've maximized the window insulation options without replacing the glass. If you have AC, that should be your primary strategy. But keep in mind, fans only circulate air; they won't cool it down unless there's somewhere cooler for it to go. You might just be creating a convection effect in the room, so combining fans with effective window treatments is key.
Oh yes, I do have AC in the room!
I've used something similar, like a beach mat with a reflective backing—it definitely helps with heat as well!