Window Films Enhance the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Window film application is an affordable and preferable way to decrease the amount of heat entering through your windows, whether they are new or old. While reflective and tinted window films reduce the need for air conditioning, however, they also reduce the amount of visible light that comes through the window glass, giving the glass a mirror-like appearance. Using a spectrally selective, clear film will block out the unwanted heat but let in the desirable daylight.

This video by Columbia Water and Light shows you how to install reflective window film:

You should consider the following properties when evaluating window films for your home:

Clarity, heat and light transmission: The ideal window film would be clear but able to reduce glare and block unwanted heat. Tinted films generally transmit more than 65% of solar energy. Some reflective films transmit only 15% of visible light.

Appearance: Clear spectrally selective film will not change the appearance of your windows, but reflective and tinted film will, which in turn will alter the exterior look of your home.

Maintenance requirements: The best-applied films can be cleaned just like glass surfaces using soap and water (no abrasives).

Cost: You can expect to pay around $9 to $12 per square foot, depending on the installation and your geographic location.

Return: Based strictly on price, you will get a faster return with conventional film than with spectrally selective film; however, if you factor in the costs of lighting and air conditioning, the payback is comparable for both types of film.

It’s important to identify your existing glass and follow the advice of a qualified film installer prior to making your purchase. Window film that is properly installed on insulating glass will not cause seal failure.