The 5 Best Window Films for Heat Reduction

30 Sep.,2024

 

The 5 Best Window Films for Heat Reduction

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Window film is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reduce heat in your home or office building. Not only do window films save you time and money, but they also benefit the environment &#; while increasing  the aesthetic value of your building. 

Professional installation of high-quality heat reduction window films doesn&#;t have to be complicated. First, the correct 3M window film product needs to be recommended by a certified dealer, like Window Film Depot.  In this post, we&#;ve compiled the basic science of window heat transfer, the most effective ways to reduce window heat, plus five excellent options for heat reduction window film that cater to residential and commercial properties alike.

Read on learn about:

Understanding Window Heat Transfer

Generally, heat transfer occurs when there is a temperature difference between two objects or spaces, flowing from hot to cold. Heat transfer occurs in three ways:

 

  • Conduction: The movement of heat through a solid material.
  • Convection: The movement of heat due to the movement of fluid.
  • Radiation: The movement of heat through absorption, reflection, or transmission through electromagnetic waves, mainly in the infrared region.

Naturally, the rules of heat transfer also apply to windows. As interior spaces warm up in winter months, windows transfer heat outside; during hotter summer months, meanwhile, windows absorb heat, warming up air-conditioned spaces and forcing HVAC systems to work harder.

The effects of heat transfer can be extremely detrimental on home temperature costs. According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a home&#;s heating energy is lost through windows, while about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat in cooling seasons. To increase heat reduction, property-owners have several options to apply to their windows.

Most Effective Ways to Reduce Window Heat

There are numerous options for property-owners looking to improve heat reduction properties within home or business. Popular options include weatherstripping, blackout blinds, and even insulating windows with bubble wrap. Two of the most popular opinions, however, are window shades and window film.

Heat Reduction Window Shades vs. Window Film

Heat reduction cellular shades are designed to fold up at the top or bottom of a window, allowing for retractable heat reduction. Traditionally, cellular shades also &#;shade&#; a room by obscuring light, offering additional control of natural light within a space.

Window film, meanwhile, is a more permanent solution that is applied onto existing windows. Once installed, window film stays in place throughout the year for consistent, constant window heat reduction. Aesthetically, window film comes in a wide range of opacities, from optically clear to tinted, depending on your property&#;s needs.

Because window film offers more flexible visibility while maintaining heat reduction, it exceeds window shades in terms of design capability. Temperature control window film can still allow nearly all of the natural light of a traditional window, or provide a tinted environment for properties looking for greater privacy. Adding shades or curtains to windows with film provides additional design flexibility without having to rely solely on them for heat reduction benefits.

How Well Does Temperature Control Window Film Work?

Professionally installed window film is scientifically proven to offer more powerful, consistent heat reduction than other methods. EFILM software models based on the Department of Energy&#;s standards to model a building before and after window film have shown 3M window film products to reduce up to 78% of the sun&#;s heat, leading to a net negative carbon impact within six months of installation. 

Beyond heat reduction, installing window film can offer financial incentives for businesses. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act made it so properties can gain tax credits for reducing emissions of Greenhouse Gasses and Hydrofluorocarbons. Utility companies in some cities even rebate the installation of window film by as much as 50% &#; making window film a clear financial choice.

Additionally, ConSol Energy and Environmental Solutions, a leading consulting firm for builders, government agencies, utilities, and trade associations, calculated the effects of adding window film to a commercial building. Their study found that temperature control window films installed on single-pane glass showed paybacks in as little as 1.4 years and provided an annual energy savings of 19 kWh/sq ft of glass.

Clearly, exterior window films offer a considerable amount of heat reduction and improved energy efficiency. They are an affordable solution compared to replacing entire windows and can be installed much more quickly with minimal interference in your day-to-day.

Window Heat Reduction Film Installation Options

There are quite a few heat reduction window film products available, but they can be broken down into two main categories: those that are installed inside and those installed outside. Both add an additional layer of heat reduction to your existing windows, essentially upgrading them from single-pane windows to double-pane windows, or double to triple.

Interior Installation with Window Heat Reduction Film Kits

This type of window film is applied to the inside of a home or office building. Film heat reduction kits include a large piece of shrink-wrapping plastic that can be cut to size and an adhesive material like tape or magnets which are used to secure the plastic film to the window frame. Once installed, a heating element like a hairdryer is applied to the plastic, which shrinks it to the correct size.

Window film heat reduction kits are one of the cheapest ways to increase heat reduction in your home. However, since they are installed inside, they can be unsightly &#; which is why many homeowners tend to steer clear of them. Window heat reduction kits need to be installed and removed every year with the change of the seasons. So, if you&#;re looking for short-term, one-season use, then they might work for you.

Exterior Installation with Retrofit Heat Reducing Window Films

These window films are made up of multiple layers of ultra-thin plastics which are applied with an adhesive to the exterior of existing window glass. Once installed, these films are nearly invisible unless you want to incorporate tinting or mirroring for privacy.

Because they are a permanent solution, these window films have the additional benefit of heat retention in the winter along with retaining cool air in the summer, so you get energy efficiency year-round.

They also provide UV blocking capabilities which will keep your furniture and merchandise from fading and prevent glare for those inside, making for a more comfortable environment overall.

5 Best Window Films for Heat Reduction

Convinced about the merits of installing heat reducing window film on your property? We&#;ve identified 5 excellent options that cater to residential and commercial properties alike.

One of the best heat reducing window film options on the market today, the 3M Residential Ceramic Sun Control Window Film will reject up to 80% of harmful heat-producing infrared rays. It also blocks harmful UV rays that can lead to fading, extending the lives of your furnishings. The non-metalized film is manufactured with a scratch-resistant coating that provides clarity and clear views. This ceramic series is also capable of rejecting up to 59% of the heat coming through your windows, which is especially valuable during the warm summer months.

Ideal for commercial properties, this window film rejects up to 71% of the sun&#;s heat to reduce glare and eye discomfort. The film offers enhanced views with very low interior reflectivity, especially at night. Its scratch-resistant coating will provide clear views, while the unique nano-technology provides great color stability. As above, you also get the all-important blocking of harmful UV rays that can cause your furniture to fade.

Arguably the best window film for heat reduction available today, this unit does an excellent job at keeping your space nice and cool. The non-metalized film will reject up to 97% of infrared light, providing energy savings and greater comfort. It allows a high transmission of visual light, adding great aesthetics and a stylish exterior. All products in the prestige exterior series range are great for the environment, becoming carbon negative as quickly as 6 months after installation.

An excellent heat reducing window film for those on a budget. This product has excellent heat rejection, resulting in significant energy savings and improved comfort. The soft hues give this window film a very sleek and stylish look, while also reducing glare and any eye discomfort. Harmful UV rays will help prevent your furniture from fading quickly and the comprehensive warranty minimizes any risk on your end.

This modern and stylish series is geared towards commercial properties &#; offering a great way to improve the energy performance of your building without breaking the bank. It blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and is excellent at maximizing your privacy. The tinted reflective films are great for your energy performance and can have this product pay for itself within 3 years.

Contact Window Film Depot, Experts in Window Heat Reduction Film

Providing substantial energy savings, benefiting the environment, and boasting seamless design, window heat reduction film is an essential purchase for businesses looking to lower the energy impact of their windows. For smooth installation and expert advice on what temperature control film is best for your property, you should consult the experts.

At Window Film Depot, we tailor our window film solutions to your property&#;s unique needs &#; combining incredible communication with hands-on installation from one of our experienced team members. Contact us today to start the process of finding window heat reduction film for your home or business.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Heat Blocking Window Film.

Window Films: A Buyers Guide - Rise

Window Films: A Buyers Guide

By Tobias Roberts ,

Rise Writer

Last Updated: Jun 19,

Windows occupy around 15 to 20 percent of the total wall space in a home. Older and inefficient window styles were notorious for allowing massive amounts of heat to leak through, compromising the home's thermal performance. Window films and coatings can help to reduce energy costs and improve the thermal comfort of your home. This article will explain how window films work to enhance your home's aesthetics and energy performance. We'll also point out a few of the top companies offering window film products to help you get started.

Single pane windows, which might have been customary in your grandparent's house, have virtually no insulating capability, with an average R-Value of under 1. Single pane windows and even low-performance double pane windows can cause heat gain or loss to occur ten times faster than the surrounding insulated wall. Double-pane windows have become customary in most homes. Window technology today continues to advance, and more energy-efficient window options are emerging every year. Choosing high-performance windows and sensibly placing them throughout the house is the first line of defense. It is an essential starting point for any energy efficiency build or retrofit project focused on windows' energy performance.

Table of Contents

  1. What are Window Films?
  2. What Are Window Films Made Of?
  3. Are Window Films For Everyone?
  4. What Are The Benefits of Window Films?
  5. Are There Different Types of Window Films?
  6. Are Window Films Effective At Controlling Heat?
  7. How Much Do Window Films Cost?
  8. Which Window Films Are The Best?
  9. Providers of Window Film Products,Bottom Line

What are Window Films?

Window films are thin laminates installed on the interior or the exterior of the glass on your windows. Window films are usually associated with tinting the glass of automobiles. However, this tinting option also offers immediate energy efficiency benefits at a fraction of the cost of completely replacing older windows.

Photo Credit: Emily Henderson

What Are Window Films Made Of?

Window film is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. This type of plastic offers high tensile strength and dimensional stability while also offering clarity that doesn't compromise visibility through windows. Notably, window films are not the same as factory-fitted coatings manufactured directly onto high-performance glazed windows. However, when applied correctly, window films can mimic the performance and function of these factory coatings.

Are Window Films For Everyone?

Window films are not necessarily a solution for every homeowner. For people who are currently considering building a home, it is a better idea to opt for new, energy-efficient window options that contain low solar gain glass. Windows with this type of glass have some of the highest solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) and U-values of any windows on the market. They are hands down the best option for homeowners looking to maximize the energy performance of their homes.

However, these types of windows are also much more expensive than their counterparts&#;you may be looking at a 5 to 20 percent increase. You can recover some of the extra expenses down the road through energy savings. Homeowners replacing all older windows with low solar gain, triple pane, glazed windows will be facing a high cost that could be over-budget.

What Are The Benefits of Window Films?

The main benefit of window films is that they can add insulation to your home while also reducing the amount of heat transfer through your windows. As part of a retrofit energy improvement, window films are among the most cost-competitive home energy improvements. It is ideal for homes located in hot and mixed climates. The glaring summer sun can cause air conditioning units to work overtime due to heat-gain through windows.

Are There Different Types of Window Films?

There are several types of window films on the market, all of which have different properties and performance levels. Before purchasing a window film, it is essential to determine what you are trying to accomplish and what features you want from your window films. Like windows, films have a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), U-Value rating, and visible transmission (VT) rating. For example, if you want to reduce the summer sun's glare and heat, look for window films with a low SHGC and VT rating. You might live in a climate with mild summers, so heat gain might not be a significant issue for you. You might only want to maintain proper light transmission in your home and search for films with a high VT.

Are Window Films Effective At Controlling Heat?

Window films will help keep the heat inside your home during winter. These films serve a double purpose and are the only ones on the market that can reduce the window's U-value. This improves insulation and thermal performance in the winter while also reducing solar gain and glare to keep your home cooler in the summer.

How Much Do Window Films Cost?

Replacing an older window in your home with a triple glazed, high-efficiency window could cost you as much as $1,000 per window. These types of windows will certainly be much more energy-efficient. Total energy savings will also depend on the insulation, building envelope, and other structural elements that all contribute to your home's thermal performance. On the other hand, window films can cost as low as $2 per square foot if you are planning to apply the film yourself. Even if you hire a professional installer, the cost is rarely above $8 per square foot. While the total cost varies depend on the size of your house, most American households are looking at the expense of roughly $600 for the entire home. Completely replacing your window could easily be ten times that amount or more.

Which Window Films Are The Best?

A consideration when choosing the best window film is the WERS rating. WERS, which stands for The Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS), "provides a scientifically based, fair, and credible rating system for the assessment of fenestration products for their energy efficiency performance." This rating can be used to increase your home's energy rating, primarily if an accredited installer installs the window films.

Photo Credit: Emily Henderson

Homeowners can install films, but it is recommended to contract professional installers. To avoid creating bubbles, trapping dirt, or even causing the window glass to break through thermal stress associated with improper installment. In many cases, warranties for different window film products will require professional installation.

Homeowners should also carefully consider the finished look of your window after installation is complete. Highly reflective films might help to increase privacy in your home. Some of these reflective tints can increase visibility into the house during the evening and night when light levels are higher inside than outside.

Providers of Window Film Products

NexFil USA

NexFil USA window film manufacturer is present worldwide, distributing various window film products in over 60 countries. In terms of residential window films, they specialize in solar control films. The company claims that their films can reject up to 88 percent of the sun's total solar energy. That makes these films an excellent option for homes located in areas with hot summers and other homes that have a south or west-facing orientation where afternoon solar gain can noticeably increase the heat in the house.

SunTek Window Films

SunTek Window Films offer a diverse array of products that allow homeowners to modify their homes' existing windows. Either to create privacy, control temperatures, and reduce glare. Their films are manufactured to preserve views while enhancing the glass with powerful, heat-controlling properties. One of the unique films made by SunTek is a spectral select film made from metalized nano-particles. This film has a meager reflective look while still radically reducing solar glare inside the home.

Madico

Madico Window Films is a company specializing in window film products. These can help your home save energy, control glare, improve safety, and enhance the appearance of your windows. One of their window films contains both a Nano Particle (Pure Vision) and a ceramic called Madico Advanced Ceramic, which acts as a High Definition film.

Bottom Line

Window films can be a much more affordable option if you're looking to improve energy-efficiency without replacing windows.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a product endorsement however Rise does reserve the right to recommend relevant products based on the articles content to provide a more comprehensive experience for the reader.

Last Modified: -06-19T18:30:24+

Article by:

Tobias Roberts

Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of aluminium protective solution. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.