We’ve reached the time when the summer heat outweighs any desire for design & aesthetic. Portland is having a second 90F/32C day so I’ve deployed my janky looking, but very effective hack to block the only west-facing window in our home.
This window is one of those window boxes, so it not even remotely insulated, double-paned, or anything that would improve its efficiency. In the winter cold pours in from this space and in the summer this unshaded window belches temperatures above 105F/40C into the kitchen. On the positive side, our cat loves this space, he lounges on some carpet we put in the bottom and yells at birds.
If you’re struggling with rising temperatures and have access to a a place that sells construction materials, you might consider buying some of these R-Tech insulation panels to block windows. These are coated with Mylar on the side I’m facing out, towards the sun. It’s impressive how well they work!
I’ve been thinking I’ll order some insulated curtains for this space, but my wife has wondered if this fix is actually more effective! We might still hang some, but I’ll keep these two panels around for extremes.