Which side of aluminum foil should be facing out if I put it in my windows for winter?

Question

I'm going to use aluminum foil in my windows, to block out some light (and so our landlord doesn't see our cat) Now that winter is coming.. which side would be better to use, the shiny side facing out or in? we obviously want to contain the heat, does it make a difference?

Mr. Wolf, since you seem so intrigued with my aluminum foil/window question. I guess I'll explain, I work nights, blocking light works good for me. As for the HEAT part, 'obviously' we want to keep as much in, because I said, winter is coming. And winter is cold. I am not concerned with it looking too tacky for your liking as the window is mostly blocked off to view of the public by our apartment's balcony. (Unfortunately the sun still shines in like crazy).

I used heat shrunk plastic last year on my windows and it worked well. But wanted to add something to help with light, as well as possibly help with heat.

Answer 1

What you want is to keep heat in your house. So the reflective (shiny) side should face inside to bounce your heat back in and not allow it to escape. If you have issues with windows you may want to consider some plastic window wrap, heat shrunk, hey actually sell it in home improvements store. Or do both.'
Good Luck this winter

Answer 2

The shiny side of aluminum foil is a result of the pressure from the machinery during manufacturing and has nothing to do with the function of the finished product.

Also, aluminum foil is not a good choice since it is a conductor and you need an insulator. Plastic wrap would work better than foil. I've seen kits that use heat (from a hair dryer) to bond special clear plastics to the window just for this use.... like this one:
http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home/improvements/29234-extralarge-window-insulation-kit.html

Answer 3

With all due respect you answered your Q in the last sentence. I will make absolutely NO difference. The FOIL will not be an insulator no matter...so any heat containment will not depend on the foil no matter what side you use. It will however REFLECT light striking it and perhaps blind some airline pilot LOL.

Again, no offense but might you not cause some suspicion and attract more attention using something as tacky as foil? Why not tint or drapes? mini Blinds? Window shades?

Steven Wolf

an added thought. I re-read your Q a dozen times and yet see NO QUESTION regarding HEAT??? What I did see was LIGHT and CAT.

Answer 4

Neither! I do not recommend using foil at all. We moved into our new home and I used it as a temporary blind. The window condensated and the foil stuck to the window and it stained the glass.Ended up having to use a razor blade to get off. It was a major pain. The time I spent cleaning it I could have bought three blinds.

Answer 5

shiny side facing in. Does it make a difference. Logically, no. I would think that it would be effective if you were trying to keep sunlight out(from heating the inside of the house - then shiny side facing out) You can only try and experiment.

Answer 6

Since metal is a conductor for heat or cold, it could possibly make it colder. It may bring the cold from the windows in, or possibly absorb the heat from the inside. You'll just hafta see for yourself I guess!! Good Luck!!

Answer 7

my advice to you is to use the shiny side to the outside. When i worked in a restaurant we were instructed to wrap potatoes for baking with the shiny side to the inside to bring heat inside. You want heat outside so shiny to the outside

Answer 8

Try black craft paper.you have probably seen it in department stores, K mart ,Wal mart,comes in different colors,& large sheeets , then use the plastic to keep your heat, if you think about it the dark color will absorbe the heat & keep the light out...worth a try.......