Does aluminum foil on the window really work for keeping the heat out of a room?

Question

I've heard and seen people put aluminum foil on their windows but no one has said if it really keeps the heat out. Does this work and how much/layers do you need to put up?

Answer 1

I'm not sure about heat.. But it definitly keeps he Aliens out (from outerspace.. not the illegal ones from mexico)

Answer 2

Aluminum Foil On Windows

Answer 3

I have a home in florida and in the morning the sun rises on my bedroom window and sets on my living room window, making both of these rooms unbearably hot at different times of the day. I have blinds on all my windows but it doesn't help against the heat that comes off these windows in direct sunlight. With a window AC unit I couldn't get my living room below 77 degrees because of the heat from that one window. I put a single layer of aluminum foil (shiny side out) and I can now keep that room as low as 72 if I want and no longer have to run my AC unit at max 24/7. I only use it on windows that take a direct beating for long hours but so far it has worked well for me. A thermal blanket would also work well and are easily made.

Answer 4

I used the Heavy Aluminum Foil on the window when I was in the dorm. I didn't use it to keep the heat out of my room. I used it to have some privacy because so many student keep looking into my window.

Answer 5

Yes this will keep a lot of heat out. But before you go putting foil on your window keep in mind it will probably damage your window.



Most windows made within the last 30 years have insulated glass. This is two panes of glass with a small spacer between them. The space between the two panes is sealed with a butyl sealant. If that sealant fails moisture will get between the panes of glass and your window will look foggy.



Since the moisture is between the two panes of glass you cannot clean it. Your only option is to replace the glass.



The foil will concentrate so much heat between the two panes of glass it can cause the sealant to fail. If you have vinyl windows it can even distort the vinyl an ruin the whole window.



A better alternative would be to buy a window film that blocks UV energy. It will be nearly as effective as foil but safer for the window.

Answer 6

It does work. And if you splurge and get the heavy duty-Reynolds wrap, Guaranteed you will need only 1 layer. and it wont rip, tear or cause you too much problem installing it on your windows.



Keep in mind, that not only does it keep the heat out, but also the light. It will darken the room drastically. So, you may think of possibly creating a frame for your foil heat barrier, that can be removed without too much effort. (not sure how that would be done exactly, just crossed my mind?.) Good luck

Answer 7

Yes. The aluminum foil acts as a repellent against heat waves. Anything that is metallic should act the same way. One layer should be enough. It may look tacky, but it does work!

Answer 8

before putting up the foil why not try the heavy backed curtains or drapes and keep them closed? Would look much better over a window.....as for cost vs one over the other true foil is the cheaper but you would have the curtains much longer with a nicer look...and you can find drapes in a lot of the discount stores

Answer 9

Yes it does work.

Put it outside the window and, if you can, about 2 inches away from the window

If you have to put it so it contacts the window it will not work as well, but it will help.

Oh yes, it must be a window that has the sun shining on it, doesn't work if the window is not in the sun.

Answer 10

If it was me id put window tint that has a reflective(aluminum coating) facing outward. It works well and is more appealing,also your apt mgr may not approve of the foil on the window.

Answer 11

You can use a radiant barrier, which is basically aluminum foil with a paper backing. I know it's used on roofs; I'm not so sure of its efficacy on windows.

Answer 12

you could paint one side of the aluminum foil so it s not as noticeable from outside, or even buy some fancy wall paper to make it look pretty to passerby s

Answer 13

One layer is fine. . .you just need anything that deflects the sun's rays which can be aluminum foil (it might become expensive for all your windows ) or any sort of white colored blinds

Answer 14

It can help, yes. Mostly by reflecting the sunlight back outside instead of letting it come into your home.



It does look a little odd though. One layer should be more than enough.

Answer 15

I imagine it would work as well as blinds, or maybe a light colored sheet (Darker absorbs light and makes it heat up). Looks kinda silly though doesn't it?

Answer 16

It is better at darkening the room We used this in Anchorage during summer.

Answer 17

Worked for me! Shiny side OUT. works like a charm! :)

Answer 18

yeah, only one layer should do the trick.

Answer 19

Sure it works....but you look a little trashy doing it! :)

Answer 20

yeah it works........