When the heat is on, I try all sorts of hacks to keep cool during a heatwave, from trying the ‘caveman method’ (it’s not as bizarre as it sounds) to beating the heat using wet laundry. But there’s one way that you can keep cool that’s far simpler than either of these methods, and it has to do with the direction you tilt your blinds.
Does it help to tilt the blinds up toward the window, or down toward the room? When it comes to keeping a room cooler, it’s best to tilt your blinds up — here’s why.
Tilt your blinds upwards to stay cool
Your blinds are tilted upwards when the top of each slate is angled toward the window.
This prevents the sun from shining directly inside and is the best position to place your slats in the summer. When the slats are angled in this manner, sunlight and heat are reflected back outside. So, if you have a south-facing room, you’ll notice a difference if you positioned your blinds in this way.
Within a YouTube video, Penny Rafferty Realty explains how the direction of the slats on your blinds influences the temperature of your room.
Privacy
Apart from reducing the amount of sunlight and heat entering your room, positioning your blinds in this position also provides added privacy. Upturned blinds make it impossible for anyone outside to take a peek inside your home. I have shutters in my bedroom, so I always make sure my blinds are set on ‘privacy mode’.
Soft light
When light is aimed toward the ceiling, it also creates a soft ambience, reducing any harsh glare. This effect is perfect for rooms where you choose to relax, such as bedrooms and sitting rooms.
Protect your furnishings
By shielding your room from direct sunlight, you are also protecting your furnishing, as the sun’s Ultraviolet rays fade textiles and carpets. If you tilt your blinds up during the day when the sun is at its strongest, you’ll reduce the effect of sun damage.
Tilt your blinds down to absorb the heat
Your blinds are turned down when the top of each slat tilts towards the room. When they are in this position your room will be become warmer and light and heat are being encouraged to come in.
More sunlight
When your blinds are tilted downwards, more sunlight is directed to the lower half of the room, and when closed completely, some light will still come through, adding a soft glow to what would otherwise be a darkened room.
More heat
While you might prefer the reverse angle in the summer, having your shutters angled downwards in the winter can help to keep your room warmer, offering the warmth of free solar heat. And, for the full benefit of the sun’s rays, open your blinds completely.
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- Beat the heat: Experts recommend this simple home hack that 'pushes warm air out and pulls cool air in'
- Experts recommend the 'DIY cool room' technique during a heatwave — here's how to do it
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