How to Block Sunlight Heat from Windows

Need to know how to block sunlight heat from windows? Window blinds, shades, and panels all provide DIY window insulation, but also block light. If you want any natural light, or a view, you need something that blocks sunlight heat from windows, but lets the light in. Indow window inserts are the best way to block heat from windows while still seeing the light.

woman placing window insert

Keep Heat Out – Let Light In

Indow Inserts create an airtight seal around your windows that insulates your home and keeps the cool conditioned air inside. Our inserts stop heat from coming through windows while still allowing natural light in. All grades of our window inserts have shown to save 20% on air conditioning loads and will keep your home cooler and quieter all summer long.

If you are looking for a product that filters damaging UV rays, the Indow Museum Grade inserts reduce UV by 98%. Museum Grade has higher clarity than regular glass, without any tint.

Options for How to Keep Heat Out of Windows

There are various window heat blocker options. More information can be found at the Department of Energy.

  1. Window Blinds & Curtains – Blinds, fully closed are pretty effective at reducing summer heat. They are somewhat difficult to control and will let light in between the slats. Window curtains can reduce heat by 33% if multiple steps are taken: the curtains are medium-colored, have white-plastic backings, and remain closed.

  2. Window Shades – Accordion-like insulated shades that can fold up to the top of your window frame. Usually two layers with air pockets in between to increase insulation. About 20% energy savings. Only insulating in the down, light-blocking position.

  3. Window Film – Film adheres to your window glass and comes with many options: tinted, UV-blocking, Low-e, blackout. Their effectiveness depends on their transparency and orientation – less transparent and west/east-facing windows benefit more. This means, less light and loss of view.

  4. Low-E Windows – Low-emissivity coatings reduce heat transference through windows up to 30% – 50%. If you’re interested in replacing your windows, know that low-e windows cost 10% – 15% and the coating lasts 10 – 15 years.

  5. Window Inserts – Inserts or interior storm windows, block heat and UV-rays while allowing natural light to penetrate. Indow window inserts add 20% energy savings on average. They have the added bonus of blocking noise.

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Customer Reviews

Excellent

4.49 Average 1496 Reviews

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Dianne

This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day

Posted 1 month ago

Paula S

From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury

Posted 5 months ago

JD

Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!

Posted 5 months ago

Cynthia M

Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.

Posted 6 months ago

Juli E

We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!

Posted 7 months ago

Jen F

Worth the money!

Posted 8 months ago

Elizabeth H

For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.

Posted 8 months ago

Anonymous

Easy to install, and instantly stopped drafts and dampened outside noises very effectively!

Posted 8 months ago

Robert C

The process could've been smoother with the sending of the measuring kit. There was a delay with weather in Oregon but then it felt like my kit was still delayed due to other reasons. Most new homes (like mine) have textured paint and it can also be inside your window frames. I measured everything out but I still have little tiny gaps due to the texturing. Not indows problem but just be aware you made need to sand or fill in those gaps yourself to get a perfect seal. I did the acoustic grade inserts and they have reduced some noise but they will not completely block or significantly reduce road noise. This is most apparent with deep or lower frequencies like truck exhausts or modified street racing cars that are quite popular these days. Taking the inserts out to open your windows isn't an easy task. The little metal hook they provide needs to be either bigger or you can attach something to it as a way to leverage yourself. Overall the process was average. I think they're definitely a good option for weatherproofing and some sound reduction depending on the type of windows you have. I would purchase again.

Posted 8 months ago

Shelley C

The process for ordering and installing the Indow Widnow inserts was so easy. They sent the measuring information and it had great instructions. The inserts were delivered by UPS was crushed on one corner, but the company had packed them well, so there was no damage. We installed them the same day. It works best if you have two people completing the installation. We felt the results immediately and are glad we spent the money to make our home just a little more efficient.

Posted 8 months ago

Barry B

The insert fits like a glove and insulates the window! No more frost and condensation on the interior of the window! Thank you for an easy, effective and attractive fix!

Posted 8 months ago

Susan A

The support during the entire process was wonderful, thank you so much for the extra quiet space!

Posted 9 months ago

Volodymyr R

Very good good quality. Overall very satisfied with this product and service. Thanks

Posted 9 months ago

Jane H

Our home was built in 1913 and has beautiful old wavy glass single-paned windows. I’m so glad we were told about Indows and didn’t have to replace the original windows. We live in Canada but had no difficulty placing the order and were very impressed by how accurately the company met its deadlines, including cross border delivery. The Indows inserts blend in perfectly with our home and the existing window frames. You don’t see them unless you’re actually looking for them. But what we did notice was how much warmer the rooms feel the minute the inserts were installed! I can’t speak to any heating bill savings because they just went in this week, but our home feels much, much cozier. Our contractor who took all the measurements and installed the Indows says: “Excellent instructional videos: clear and informative. Very impressed with the design and the product. Overall, the ease of installation is quite impressive. Working with all the staff at the company was great – everyone was very helpful.” I’m already recommending this company to any of my friends who live in drafty older homes and want to reduce their heating/cooling bills and do some good for the environment.

Posted 9 months ago

Anonymous

Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!

Posted 9 months ago