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SheltieLover

(59,811 posts)
Tue Jun 14, 2022, 05:30 PM Jun 2022

Yes, aluminum foil can be used over windows to help keep homes cool

https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/verify/weather-verify/aluminum-foil-windows-cool-heat-wave/536-69a28e6f-0cef-4ae4-a730-fb29e42733a6

Emergency management agencies specifically recommend using aluminum foil-covered cardboard that goes between windows and drapes.

Snip

People took to social media to share ways people in homes with no air conditioning or poor air conditioning could fight the heat and stay cool. One method in particular stood out because users claimed it was both cheap and effective: covering windows with aluminum foil to reflect sunlight and the heat back outside.

A TikTok video sharing the method got more than 100,000 likes and several tweets sharing the tactic received thousands of likes and retweets. All of the posts tell people to black out windows with aluminum foil.

Snip

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a June 29 blog post that included the aluminum foil tactic among six ways to combat extreme heat.

More at link.

Heat wave here in TN is brutal. 98-100F forecast for another 10 days, as far as my app projects. With near 100% humidity & a very high dew point every day, it is miserable outdoors.

For anyone interested, there is also attic foil. Various brands available. One friend paid ~$200 for a 1K sq ft. Roll (this friend is not a frugal shopper. I found a 1K sq ft roll for $93.) You staple the foil to roof rafters to reflect heat from roof away from house. The products I looked at have very good reviews & friend who installed it said it kept his upstairs a few degrees cooler.

Stay cool!

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Yes, aluminum foil can be used over windows to help keep homes cool (Original Post) SheltieLover Jun 2022 OP
B-) 4139 Jun 2022 #1
We've used white posterboard for years to do nearly the same thing. nt Pobeka Jun 2022 #2
We kept a box fan in the front window. ggma Jun 2022 #3
I like cheap and simple. multigraincracker Jun 2022 #4
The foil or other reflective device Old Crank Jun 2022 #5
Yes, with the exception being attic foil (radiant heat barrier) SheltieLover Jun 2022 #6

ggma

(711 posts)
3. We kept a box fan in the front window.
Tue Jun 14, 2022, 06:58 PM
Jun 2022

At dawn, you pulled in cool air. Before noon, or the hottest part of the morning, you turn the fan around and it pulled the hot air out of the room. Better than no relief at all...

ggma

Old Crank

(4,795 posts)
5. The foil or other reflective device
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 04:50 PM
Jun 2022

works best when sun hits the windows.
Our previous house had windows facing north and south mostly. The west ones were shaded by trees.
At night when ever the sir temp was lower outside we opened the windows and sliding door and drew in cooler air with a box fan.
In the morning when the house was at its coolest and outside temps started to rise we closed all the drapes and windows to maintain the cool. Rinse lather and repeat.
You can dampen towels to put in the airflow from the fan to help drop temps if you are in a dry climate. Don't have the wet air drawn through the fan's motor.

SheltieLover

(59,811 posts)
6. Yes, with the exception being attic foil (radiant heat barrier)
Fri Jun 24, 2022, 05:01 PM
Jun 2022

My roll arrived today (~$130/1,000 sq ft!) & is being installed as I write!

Holding hand over hot burner, then holding a piece of this foil above burner truly does eliminate nearly all heat! Claim is 97% heat blockage!

Genius!!!!!!

A great investment, imo. As more & more buy electric cars, rates will soar!

Stay cool!

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