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Hanging a thick blanket over your windows will help to keep the heat inside, but only a little. Covering the glass will also prevent the sunlight from getting in, which might actually decrease the efficiency of your window overall. If you get to the point where you’re hanging blankets over your window to keep warm, call in an expert to seal around your windows to prevent warm air from escaping. They may also recommend replacing old windows that aren’t as insulative as newer window technology. Sealing a window isn’t terribly expensive and can make a big difference.

The best way to reduce heat upstairs is to release it by opening a window. Hot air rises, and if you can create some airflow by opening a window upstairs and also one on a lower level, the hot air should be pushed out of the home. Remember that fans pointing out the window do a much better job of circulating air than fans pointing into the home.

In some cases, yes, insulating an unheated garage can lead to mold and mildew. The issue with insulating a garage is that the interior will warm up and cool down more slowly than the exterior air, which can cause condensation inside the space. Where there is moisture, there is likely to be mold and mildew over time. Installing a vapor barrier can help avoid moisture and mildew problems in an insulated garage.

Whether plaster walls should be insulated depends on whether the walls are at particular risk of moisture problems. In many cases, you can insulate plaster walls, while in others, it's a poor decision because of the lack of a vapor barrier. Choose a reputable insulation contractor to help you decide if and how to proceed to increase your home's energy efficiency.