The UK is facing its first mini heatwave of 2024, and Mirror writer Zahna Eklund tries out a 70p trick that’s supposed to keep your house cool in a heatwave. The trick involves covering windows with tin foil to keep the heat out. Eklund tested this hack in her bedroom, which tends to become uncomfortably hot during summer. She found that the foil did help in keeping the room cool by reflecting sunlight off the windows and preventing the heat from entering the house. While the temperature drop wasn’t drastic, she noticed a difference after covering the windows with foil, making it more bearable to work and sleep in the room during hot days.
The effectiveness of the tin foil trick in cooling down a room was evident to Eklund, who observed a drop in temperature after applying the foil on her bedroom windows. The initial temperature of 28 degrees decreased to 26 degrees after the foil was in place. This temperature difference made it more comfortable for Eklund to work and sleep in the room, without feeling excessively hot. Additionally, she found that using a fan in combination with the foil helped maintain a cooler environment, especially during the night. Experts also confirmed that the trick is safe to use, as the foil can handle high temperatures without releasing harmful toxins.
While the tin foil trick is generally effective in keeping a room cooler by reflecting sunlight, it should be placed outside rather than inside the windows to prevent overheating the glass. If placed incorrectly on the inside, the foil can make the glass too hot, potentially causing damage to the window seal. However, this could be challenging for upstairs windows and may not be practical for all households. The overall consensus is that while the tin foil trick can help in cooling down a room, it might not be a significant temperature difference maker, and there are alternative methods such as using fans that may be more convenient.
As heatwaves become more common and temperatures rise, finding simple and cost-effective ways to keep homes cool during hot weather is essential. The tin foil trick is one such DIY hack that can help in managing indoor temperatures without relying solely on energy-consuming air conditioning units or fans. Eklund’s experiment with the tin foil on her windows showcased that this trick can be a helpful tool in combating the heat, providing a more comfortable living environment during summer. Whether for a temporary solution or as part of a broader cooling strategy, using tin foil on windows could be a practical and accessible option for many homeowners looking to beat the heat in a heatwave.
