I'd consider solar control window films before an air conditioner. Most are applied on the inside of windows but some on the outside. Some tint the windows and others are nearly clear. There are several manufacturers: Solar Gard Eastman Xpel 3M Avery Dennison You might want consider the Avery Dennison Spectrally Selective Interior Films first. Both its films have relatively high Visible Light Transmitted values, don't tint the window too much, and are neutral in color. I have a large skylight. Before external window film was installed, my condo was miserable in the summer. The film made all the difference.

No, I wouldn't be shocked if you switch back fairly quickly. These really do not have much cleaning power at all, if any.

I always read the negative reviews because I have found people often like a product when they first use it then after a time realize the product while new worked up to expectations but did not last. Most of the negative ones on Amazon had to do with not dissolving in cold water or leaving a powdery residue in the washer. For the scented one several found that the scent did not last. They are very quiet about where they are manufactured. I suspect they are manufactured at the same location as all the other brands since it would take specialized equipment to spray the detergent onto sheets of paper and dry them without tearing. My front loader has instructions to remove the bin where you place detergent if you use a powder. I suspect folding the sheets especially if a person uses a full one or more than one with cold water would decrease the ability to dissolve the sheet if the bin is not removed. There is no real reason to use the bin with these sheets unless you add softeners, etc. Any soap would only be in the first wash unless a pre-wash cycle is used.

Is there a chance the rain will get in the space ? I am not familiar with this brand . What will you be using the space for? If this is on the sout side of the house you will need some solar shades or you will find the space gets too hot to enjoy. If the rain does not get in of course you can use indoor furniture with sunbrella outdoor fabric.