Beat the Heat: How Curtains and Blinds Can Help Cool Your Home
When summer temperatures climb, everyone looks for ways to stay cool. If your air conditioning isn’t cutting it—or if you don’t have one—there’s a simple trick that can really help: use your curtains and blinds to your advantage.
Block the Sun, Stay Cool
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your home cooler is to keep the sun out. According to John McGaughey, vice president of sales at AUX AIR USA, sunlight streaming through your windows can raise the indoor temperature by 10 to 15°F. That means your cooling system has to work much harder—or you’ll just end up sweating through the day.
His advice? Close your curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day, especially on windows that face south or west. Blocking direct sunlight can make a noticeable difference.
Pick the Right Curtains
Not all curtains work the same when it comes to keeping heat out. Light-colored curtains do a better job because they reflect sunlight, while dark ones absorb heat and warm up your space.
If you’re serious about staying cool, consider using blackout curtains. Unlike sheer or thin cotton curtains, blackout ones create a thicker barrier against the sun, keeping the light—and heat—out. Sure, sheer curtains look pretty, but they won’t do much to lower the temperature inside.
Still, some coverage is better than none. Even light-filtering blinds or sheer drapes can offer a bit of shade and help cool things down slightly.
Don’t Forget Your Plants
If you have houseplants on your windowsills, try moving them behind the curtains or outside during the day. This gives them the sunlight they need without blocking your curtain’s ability to block out the heat. Also, clear anything else off your windowsills so your curtains can fully close and do their job.
During the day, especially when the sun is shining directly on your windows, keep the curtains closed. When evening comes and the sunlight fades, feel free to open them up again and let in some fresh air—even if it makes the room a little warmer.
