I would like to pass along what has worked remarkably well for us during the dog days of summer.
(A “never mind” to those who already do this.)
I’m a big believer in blocking the sun before it gets past the window.
We’ve been using the silver/gray car window flip shades – you know, the one you can twist/fold away.
(We use them with silver side facing outside.)
We position them between the storm window and regular window when the sun is blasting down on them.
Depending on the situation, the windows will be open with the shade positioned – this allows some air circulation and blocks the heat-gaining rays.
With various sizes available, they work well for most window sizes.
The difference between with/without is very noticeable and works a lot better then blinds, which we also have.
We have them in place on one end of the house in the morning.
In the afternoon, they are relocated to the other side of the house.
It may seem like a lot of trouble but it isn’t.
Since we open and close the windows to take advantage of cool periods, the shade routine doesn’t add much to the task.
They are also very helpful even when the central A/C kicks on later in the day. Nothing worse then heat gain through windows while the A/C is running.
We built a large pergola to counter the afternoon sun on one side of the house. After considering seasonal awnings for other windows, we decided to experiement with the flip shades.
Sorry to be over-winded.
Some of you may want to give it a try.
Replies
Interesting idea. I wonder if you could build something like that and make it part of the window or something - Kinda like a storm window that would slide up and down.
"If at first you don't succeed, destroy all the evidence."
Yes, my tinkering mind started racing for a semi-permanent setup.
But what started out as a preventive measure has turned into a working solution that is very simple.
And sometimes it's easy for me to forget there is something to be said for simplicity.
We have the old Rusco steel storm windows that would chop off a finger if not careful. I thought of attaching Pheiffer sun blocking screens on the outside with magnets.
The shades are in place as I type this, blocking the rays without darkening the room too much.
Mini blinds or curtains would not give the same results.
One thing I failed to mention is this works well for folks who don't have fancy windows. In the winter - I insert the shade between the storms and windows with the silver side facing inside.
I'm not going to start running around with a infrared gun and get scientific but in theory it cannot hurt.