Households urged to put kitchen foil in windows as soon as possible to stay cool in the heatwave
With a severe heatwave sweeping the country, experts are urging households to take quick action to protect themselves from rising indoor temperatures. One surprisingly effective tip is making headlines — covering your windows with kitchen tin foil.
According to The Express, this simple, low-cost method involves rolling out sheets of foil and placing them on the inside of your windows, particularly those exposed to direct sunlight. The shiny surface reflects the sun’s rays away, helping to stop rooms from heating up like ovens.
Energy experts say this trick can keep indoor spaces cooler, reduce the need for fans or air conditioning, and help lower energy bills — all while providing immediate relief during sweltering weather.
Aluminum foil acts as a reflective barrier. When the shiny side is facing outward, it bounces heat and light back outside before they can pass through the glass. This prevents sunlight from being absorbed and radiated inside, making your home noticeably cooler during the hottest hours of the day.
How to apply foil to windows effectively
- Face the shiny side outward to reflect sunlight
- Use painter’s tape or another removable adhesive to avoid damage
- Focus on windows that face the strongest midday and afternoon sun
- Cover as much of the glass as possible to maximize the cooling effect
Other proven ways to keep your house cool during a heatwave
While tin foil can be a powerful quick fix, experts suggest combining it with other methods for the best results:
- Close curtains and blinds during peak sun hours to block incoming heat
- Use blackout or thermal curtains for added insulation
- Ventilate at night by opening windows when the outside air is cooler, then closing them in the morning
- Limit the use of heat-producing appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers during the day
- Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to prevent hot air from entering
- Place bowls of ice in front of fans to circulate chilled air
Urgent action could protect your health
Health officials warn that high indoor temperatures can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable people such as older adults, children, and those with certain medical conditions. Acting now to keep your home cool can help prevent heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses.
With temperatures expected to remain high over the coming days, simple, affordable measures like tin foil on windows could make your home safer, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient.
