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Hot weather hack: How to install your own DIY window film to block the heat

Maryal Miller Carter
USA TODAY

Is the searing summer heat forcing you to crank up your A/C and electric fans, leading to soaring energy costs in your home? Check out this cool idea for reducing the indoor temperature, thereby saving you money.

A simple method to block out heat, reduce your energy bill and create a refreshingly cool living space all summer long is DIY window film. Often overlooked, this effective sun-shielding measure not only brings relief from scorching temperatures but also makes for a more eco-friendly lifestyle by reducing energy consumption. The best part? It's a breeze to achieve a cooler home without straining your budget. Here’s how to apply a DIY window film to block the heat and make your home more comfortable during the summer.

Watch the video above to learn how to install your own DIY window film in your home.

How to make a DIY window film to block the heat 

Supplies:

  • Heat-control window film
  • Spray bottle
  • Squeegee
  • Razor blade
  • Window film application kit (optional)

Instructions: 

  • Purchase heat-control window film specifically designed to block out heat. You can find affordable options online, or at your local hardware or home improvement store. 
  • Measure windows before purchasing to ensure you get film that can be easily cut to size to fit your windows.
  • Before getting started, read the product’s instructions thoroughly and consider watching an instructional video to familiarize yourself with the process. 
  • Clean windows thoroughly before applying the film. This helps ensure a smooth and bubble-free application. You can use an application solution made specifically for this purpose or a mixture of 1 teaspoon of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of bottled water. This mixture helps provide the correct pH and clarity for the project and won’t damage the film.
  • On a flat, clean surface, carefully trim window film to fit your windows. Cut the film 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the window you plan to cover.
  • Before applying the film, spray the entire window with the same solution you used to clean it.
  • Remove the backing from the film and spray the glass-side surface of the film with the solution as you go.
  • Apply the film to your windows. Start at the top and place the wet surface of the film on the wet glass, working down the window.
  • Use a squeegee to remove any air pockets or bubbles from the film, ensuring it adheres evenly to the glass surface. For best results, start at the top of the window, down the center, then go from the center to one side, using firm strokes to push the bubbles outward. Keep the film surface wet with the solution while removing air bubbles to ensure the squeegee can glide easily.
  • Use a razor blade or utility knife to trim excess film along the edges.
  • Use a squeegee and clean, microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture from underneath the film.

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