Condo with solar heat streaming through oversized windows.
One way to reduce solar heat gain is to install two-inch UV blocking blinds.

Solar heat gain from windows is a big issue this time of year, so it’s important to know how to minimize it.

  1. Install energy-efficient, low-E windows. Low-E refers to a coating on the glass that reflects heat back to its source, so the summer sun’s heat stays outside instead of heating up your home.
  2. Add interior wood blinds, or two-inch-wide wooden Venetian blinds, will also block some heat if you keep them closed when the sun’s on them.
  3. Add thermal window film, which can be easily applied to the interior surface of the windows.
    Window film not only blocks heat, but also the damaging UV rays. Depending on the level of tinting, you might not even know it’s there, except for the cooling effect on your home.
Editorial Contributors
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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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