Carol S

How Window Film Helps Save Energy: Five Ways

July 30, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You might have heard some of the other ways window film makes you life better, but does it help you save energy? It reduces glare, prevents UV transmission through your glass, and helps you maintain privacy. We’ll tell you about how window film saves you energy, too. And that can help you lower your power bills, something we all love.

Reduces Heat Gain

Heat gain is not something you want in your life. Heat gain is when the temperature rises due to heat from the sun. And when it’s too hot, it’s hard to do anything except sit on the couch and fan yourself. But with window film, heat that could get through your windows is reflected back and away. We’ve talked about heat gain before here: Solar Heat Gain: Why Should it Matter to You?

Acts as a Thermal Shield

Now, Thermal Shield might sound like something out of Deadpool and Wolverine, but we assure you it’s not. A thermal shield protects you from the heat coming through your windows. 3M™ window film is a very good example of an excellent thermal shield. Come to think of it, they could’ve used it in Deadpool and Wolverine. Maybe there would’ve been less fighting. That extreme heat makes everyone cranky.

Uses Less Energy Heating and Cooling

With window film, you’ll use less energy heating and cooling your home or office. Since your temperature will stay more constant, you’ll have less reliance on your A/C or thermostat, thus driving down the cost of your energy. And if you don’t believe us, maybe the Department of Energy will sway you? Here’s a quote from 3M’s website: “The Department of Energy considers window film a top-tier technology for energy conservation with one of the fastest paybacks — approximately three years.”

Eliminates Hot Spots

If you’re a facilities manager, hot spots can mean a lot of complaints from employees. You don’t want to have to move people around every time the sun hits a certain spot–do you? Window film helps you eliminate the hot spots and provides more even temperatures in all the offices. At home, there’s the same problem with hot spots. You shouldn’t have to move your from your favorite spot because of a hot spot.

Acts as an Insulator

Window film can be an insulator for your windows. When you think of insulation, you might think of the big thick pink blanket living in your attic. But a thin layer of window film can also give you insulation and keep you cooler in the summer as well as warmer in the winter.

Saves Your Energy

Have questions about how to save energy and window film? Give us a call and we’ll give you some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your overheated home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Avoid Extreme Heat: Five Ways

July 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Climate change is here, and with it, extreme heat. Learn how to avoid extreme heat and make your home or office more resilient to climate change. As Bob Villa says in his article Making Your Home More Resilient Can Boost Your Peace of Mind, “according to Realtor.com, 44.8 percent of homes in the United States are at risk of potentially serious damage from flooding, wind, wildfires, and other climate-related events.” Making sure you know how to avoid extreme heat is critical during these extra-hot days.

Insulation protects you against heat and cold

Not only does insulation help to lower your power bills, it protects you against extreme temperatures. And doesn’t it seem that every other day there are extreme temperatures somewhere? Even in San Francisco, where we typically are protected against extremes because of our naturally-occurring fog, we sometimes get very hot days. There are many more benefits of insulation, as the National Insulation Association outlines (did you know about its return on investment?).

Leaks around windows and doors

It’s better to check for air and water leaks around your windows and doors when the weather is good and not when there’s an extreme weather event. The Department of Energy has some excellent and simple ways you can check for leaks. For example, wiggling your doors tells you that there might be an air leak. (They didn’t use the word wiggling, but they really should!). Some leaks are really obvious. If your hat blows off when you’re next to a (closed) door, that could be a clue. Other leaks are sneakier. Air leaks can occur around switch plates or air conditioners. So get your caulk guns ready!

Energy Assessment

If you’re able to check your own home for energy leaks and where you might need to improve it, would you? You could either do it yourself (see the Department of Energy for its how-to article) or hire someone who might be more discerning and have more experience. With an energy assessment, you can check sealing gaps, determine your level of insulation, and much more. If your home is an older one, it’s likely that there are more energy-efficient choices available.

Better windows

Double-pane or even triple-pane windows can certainly help to prevent extreme heat. And those windows can also keep out the noise, too. If you live in a crowded city, or on a busy street, those noises and that heat can keep you awake at night. Is better sleep a priority for you? Then an investment in better windows might be just the ticket.

Window film

You knew we were going to talk about window film, didn’t you? Your family and your employees will thank you if you use window film to guard against extreme heat. We’ve discussed how window film reduces heat before: Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film. We work with 3M and their wonderful window film often, and we can tell you about what we have learned.

Avoid extreme heat anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area

Have questions about heat reduction and window film? Give us a call and we’ll give you some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your overheated home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Lower Your Power Bills this Summer: 5 Easy Ways

June 27, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve all heard of different ways to lower your power bills in the summer, but don’t some of them include ridiculous and weird tasks, such as covering your windows in styrofoam? Or even more ridiculous? Not wearing clothes! Sure, walking around naked all summer may keep you cooler, but we’re talking about ways that won’t embarrass you that way. Everyone wants to lower their power bills, right? If that’s you, then here are some ideas that won’t embarrass you or your mom or result in calls to the police.

Turn up the thermostat

Yes, turning up your thermostat even one or two degrees can make a big difference in your power bill. And if you’re at work during the day, this method is even easier. Of course, in the winter, you’ll want to turn your thermostat down. Naturally, you might also consider a programmable thermostat that could reduce the temperature while you’re away from home.

Run big appliances at off hours

Does your power company have peak hours? When you run an appliance you are essentially buying power from your power company. In our case (San Francisco), peak hours are from 4:00 – 9:00 pm. So if you run the dishwasher, washing machine, etc. at other times, you’ll spend less. CNet has a good explanation of peak hours if you want to know more: Peak and Off-Peak Energy Explainer.

Use energy-star appliances (or maintain your old appliances)

Make sure your furnace and large appliances are kept clean and maintained regularly. If you don’t know when the last time your furnace was cleaned, maybe it’s time to start a house journal. We’ve written about energy efficiency before. Well, actually, we had Tim Meredith, an eco-conscious writer, write the guest blog post. You might like Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient.

Get an energy audit

Does your power company offer a free audit? If so, take advantage of it so that you can see where your energy dollar is being spent. There are also professional energy assessors. See this post from the Department of Energy: Professional Home Energy Assessments. An energy assessment can tell you where your home might have a leaky door or window.

Window film

You knew we were going to talk about window film, didn’t you? When you install window film, a single-pane window acts like a double-pane window, and a double-pane window becomes like a triple-pane window. So your indoor temperature evens out, you’re more comfortable, and you spend less on that energy bill. Window film can be energy efficient as well as beautiful. You might like our article about Wabi-Sabi.

We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area

Have questions about window film? Give us a call and we’ll walk you through some ideas! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your energy-efficient home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Use Window Film for Wabi-Sabi Living

June 12, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve heard of wabi-sabi a lot lately, but did you know that window film can help you achieve the wabi-sabi lifestyle? If you have no idea about what we’re talking about, read on.

Define wabi-sabi

In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. In other words, that heirloom piece that you might have otherwise thrown away, but fixed? That is the perfect embodiment of wabi-sabi. For instance, I have a Buddha statue that belonged to my mother, but it was badly chipped. When I repainted it gold, it came back to life. You can do the same with something of yours. One definition of wabi-sabi that is particularly wonderful is something that becomes more beautiful as it ages.

The art of imperfection

We’re not saying that you need to use torn or bubbly window film in order to perfect the art of imperfection. You can have a combination of the perfect along with the imperfect. And you might like us to install your window film for you just so you can have that contrast. Here are a few reasons you might like to have us install your window film.

Beauty is imperfect

That branch from your yard that you use to hang ornaments on every Christmas? That is wabi-sabi. So is the flower with a missing petal, or the photo of that bird with a slightly ruffled wing. It’s imperfect and maybe even more beautiful because of its imperfection. Nothing in nature looks like A/I–or if it does, it becomes…suspicious!

Create a sanctuary

You could go on an expensive vacation, or you could create a sanctuary at home every day. Those people who work at home might appreciate the idea of a sanctuary even more than people who work every day in an office. Of course, you could also use a little wabi-sabi in your office.

Use what you have

Window film can help create a blank or colored canvas for you to set your design against. When you have lots of drapes or window coverings on your windows, your design can get lost. We’ve written about how window film can help you create a clutter-free environment before. So create a clean space as a background, then use what you already have to make a perfect space. We particularly like 3M window film since it can be used in so many ways.

Harmonize your space

When your space is harmonized, you feel calmer and — not to be too woo-woo about it — more zen. Your life won’t be perfect, but then again, if you feel calmer maybe your life will turn around. Maybe you’ll even be able to deal with those weird neighbors without yelling. Who knows?

We wabi-sabi all over the San Francisco Bay Area

Did you know that wabi-sabi is a verb? If not, give us a call and we’ll tell you all about it! We’d love to help you choose the best window film for your wabi-sabi design. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Helps You Go Green, Be More Eco-Friendly

May 29, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you’re considering window film, maybe if you knew how window film could help you go green, you’d have it installed. We’re almost entering the hot summer months and people are thinking about air conditioning. Did you know that window film can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning–lowering carbon emissions and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle? If not, read on!

Solar heat rejection

Window films are designed to reject solar heat, with some films (ahem! 3M) able to reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat. Which means you won’t feel overheated as you sit next to the window trying to work or eating your lunch. Which also means since you’ll feel more comfortable you’ll be less likely to turn on that air conditioning! Exciting, isn’t it? We think so.

Heat gain reduction

Window film reduces the heat gain inside buildings, which also lets you be more comfortable. By the way, we’ve talked about solar heat gain before and you might like: Solar Heat Gain: Why Should it Matter to You? And wouldn’t you like to use all of your house (not just the coolest spots away from the windows)?

Improved insulation

While you might think of insulation as that pink stuff in your attic, window film is also a type of insulation. With window film, a single pane of glass acts like a double pane and–guess what?–the double pane acts like a triple pane! It’s like getting an extra scoop of ice cream! Sort of. In any case, window film works by preventing unwanted (hot) air from entering the house. And that’s a good thing!

Balance indoor temperatures

With climate change, temperatures can swing wildly from cold to hot like nobody’s business. Nobody likes that! You can’t plan what to wear and you always have to prepare for everything. But with window film, your temperatures are more even and everybody’s happy.

Energy efficiency

Since your temperatures are more even, you use less energy. You know where we’re going with this, right? So more energy efficiency means less air conditioning! And that’s sure to help lower your energy costs. Also, the coolants in air conditioning contribute to global warming, so you’re also helping the planet as well as yourself. Speaking of the planet, we’ve talked about climate change before, too: How Does Window Film Help Battle Climate Change? Five Ways.

Less strain on your HVAC unit

Less strain on your HVAC unit means less maintenance for you. You won’t have to call the HVAC repair person as often if the air conditioner isn’t working as hard. We apologize if we’re putting any HVAC repair people out of work with window film, by the way.

It’s so much easier to have an eco-conscious lifestyle with window film.

Where to start?

Do you have questions about window film and how to be more green! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our Eco-Friendly CEO wants to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin–and beyond. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Do You Really Need Window Film? Top Reasons You Do

May 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You already know about window film on cars and how it protects you from UV rays, but do you really need window film for your home and business? Let us tell you all the reasons you need it! It will only take a couple of minutes–pinky promise!

Your skin will thank you

Have you ever heard that saying Do something today that your future self will thank you for? No? Well, now you have! Skin damage is cumulative, which means that the slate is not wiped clean every night. Skin damage builds up over time, so what you do now will affect your skin for the rest of your darn life! Being exposed to UV rays (yes, even inside your home or office) can damage your skin. We’ve discussed this before, and you can check the Skin Cancer Foundation for their article: How much do you know about this sun protection strategy?

Protect your furnishings

Just like your skin, your rugs, furniture, and hardwood floors can be affected by the sun. We all have that one friend who lives in that sunny condo, but the floors have been bleached and their couch cushions look funny from being in the sun.

Provide privacy

If your neighbors are a little too close for comfort, why not put up some window film to get more privacy? People don’t have to know every time you are having a party! Although some people don’t seem to have enough going on, and are super nosy! We can advise you on the best choices for you and your neighborhood.

Like sunglasses for your house

Do you wear sunglasses indoors–and not just to look cool? We know people who do because the sun blasts through a window and they can’t see anything otherwise. Even some businesses have this issue. So protect yourself from glare with a little window film. By the way, you don’t have to put film on every single window. You can do a partial window, or even just one window.

Better energy efficiency

With window film, you can make your temperatures more even between the seasons. That means warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! And with energy bills going up by the minute, it seems, why not take steps now to reduce your energy bill?

Reduces clutter

One of our favorite ways to reduce dust bunnies caused by excessive curtains and window coverings is window film. It’s clean and doesn’t collect dust. If you insist on collecting Disney cookie jars, though, we can’t help you. We recently wrote about reducing clutter.

Where to start with window film?

We know you’ve got questions! Call us and we’ll answer your questions or find someone who knows! Our CEO of Why You Need Window Film is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Protect Your Skin: Seven Best Ways

April 29, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Spring is here and people are spending more time outdoors, so here are the best ways to protect your skin. Even if you’re working indoors, most people are spending more time near the windows once the weather warms up.

Protect your skin with UV-blocking window film

UV rays can damage your skin and that damaged skin is nearly impossible to repair once it’s damaged. Did you know that UV damage is cumulative? So you don’t reset the clock each time you go outside! UV-blocking window film can help protect your against sun damage indoors, especially as people spend more time near windows in sunny weather. We’re big fans of Prestige window film (ask us for details).

Bring back big hats

Back in the day, not so very long ago, people wore big hats. They wore them to Easter service, to the beach, to baseball games, and so on. Big hats are not just a fashion accessory–they protect your sensitive skin! So even if your friends don’t want to wear big hats, there’s no reason you shouldn’t! But don’t dispair–Fashionista says that big hats are in for 2024!

And giant sunglasses

We’re also in favor of ginormous sunglasses to protect your eyes. Big sunglasses go along with big hats. Don’t damage your eyes or skin by having naked eyes! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends “shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.”

Clothing that blocks radiation

There are now so many choices in clothing with built-in skin protection. More and more companies are coming up with better-looking choices, too. If you’re a golfer, check out Callaway Apparel’s weather series. Denali Performance has products with UPF 50+ with shirts (check out the Trophy Bones collection–awesome!). And SwimZip has many stylish swimwear choices. By the way, we’re not affiliates of any of these companies!

Patio umbrellas

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can also get patio umbrellas with sun protection. There are beach umbrellas, pop-up tents, as well as canopies to protect your skin. By the way, you might like Lloyd Flanders outdoor furniture.

Sunscreen

By now, everyone is using sunscreen, but there are so many kinds. If you’re active, you’d want a sunscreen that doesn’t wash off easily. And also, you might already know that you have to use a ridiculous amount of sunscreen if you’re outside for hours at a time.

Be a shade seeker

Look for trees, awnings, and shadows if you can find them. If you can’t find shade, you may need to make your own shade! Pack an umbrella in the car, along with sun protection, and of course wear your sun-protective clothing.

Did we mention window film?

Just to reiterate, window film is the way to go especially if you spend a lot of time near windows. It’s like giving your house sunglasses!

Which window film, though?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our CEO of Skin Protection is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Tenth Annual National Window Film Day: Seven Reasons to Celebrate

April 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

April 30, 2024 is National Window Film Day, and here are seven of the best reasons we know to celebrate! If you’ve ever read any of our blog posts, you know we’re huge fans of window film. A big shoutout to the International Window Film Association for many of the ideas and the terrific infographic!

It’s a day of education

Window Works is celebrating this tenth annual National Window Film Day because window film makes things better. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for more than half the energy use in a typical home. And with rising energy costs, who doesn’t want to reduce your energy costs? Nobody, that’s who!

Window film offers year-round protection

Window film evens out the temperatures, making your home and office more livable throughout the year. Many people believe that window film is only for the summer! Not true–window film can reduce both your heating and cooling costs.

Window film aids in the reduction of energy use

Because of the reduction of energy use, window film reduces carbon emissions. Using less energy overall reduces your carbon emissions.

Window film helps screen out dangerous UV rays

Yes, we’ve written about this many times before. According to the U.S. EPA, “…overexposure to ultraviolet rays may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses.”

Reduce fading of furniture and flooring

You’ve spent thousands of dollars on your beautiful furniture and flooring. Why not apply window film to help protect your furnishings? Everyone has that one friend with the big beautiful windows…and the hopelessly bleached floor and couch. Don’t be that person!

Window film provides jobs and business opportunities

We’re big advocates of using local businesses and providing jobs in the local community where possible. We are blessed to have an amazing crew to help us! And we love to hire locals to work alongside our crew, too. Who knows? Of you’re a small business in the San Francisco Bay Area, we might work with you in the future!

Window film protects your eyes and skin

Ask your dermatologist if they recommend window film. You’d be surprised how many do! Many automotive manufacturers routinely include window film. Once upon a time window film was only available as an aftermarket product. If you drive a lot, you may notice your skin looking more wrinkled on your left side if you don’t have window film. We don’t install automotive window film, but it’s a good idea if you drive. And of course installing window film at your home or business is a no-brainer!

We appreciate you!

Thank you to all our valuable clients, coworkers and friends! We really couldn’t do it without you. If you have any questions about window film or Window Film Appreciation Day, give us a call. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Keeps You Clutter-Free: Five Ways

March 27, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We all have battles with clutter and staying organized. And in the springtime, people seem to be the most interested in getting organized and getting rid of clutter. However, window film can help you stay organized and clutter-free. Before you start yelling that it isn’t so, take a look at some ideas that have helped our clients maintain their sanity.

Hide kitchen clutter

Someday in the distant future your life won’t be filled with mismatched coffee cups, sippy cups, and that weird Christmas set your auntie gave you and you have to haul out during the holidays. Perhaps you are even praying for that day. But guess what? You can hide all that stuff now with window film! Fix that clutter problem instantly! By the way, we’ve discussed clutter before: Fight Clutter.

Replace curtains with window film

Aren’t curtains a little bit 1995? Why not simply replace those outdated eyesores with window film? There is less to clean and window film won’t collect dust like curtains or shutters do. Less is more, right? Also, there’s one less decision to make if you don’t have to pick out the colors, textures, etc., of the curtains.

Use gradient window film

Gradient window film is great if you want to block part of a view–maybe the part with the clutter? Your friends and neighbors don’t ever have to know what you’ve got going on in that storage room if you cover the glass wall with window film! Gradient window film can transition from opaque to completely transparent, in case you want to keep some of the view. See our recent post about gradient window film.

Soften the light

No matter how much clutter you have or don’t have, softening the light coming in through your windows will help. We recommend an opaque window film to soften the light. We also have beautiful decorative window film that you will absolutely love! 3M has a window film simulator so you can see how different window films might look in your home or office.

Colorful window film adds an element of fun

Did you know that window film now comes in a variety of colors? In fact, you might want to try color blocking. You could go with warm or cool tones in window film. You could also add both, but since this article is about having less clutter, we’ll leave that idea for another day.

Combine curation with window film

If you can pare down your belongings plus add window film, that’s the best combination of all. Of course, you might need to hire a professional organizer, but you’ll have so much less clutter! You might like this article about Open Shelving Mistakes from Homes and Gardens, too.

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your clutter and window film questions! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Head Clutter Buster Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Is it Time for Color Blocking with Window Film?

March 13, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’re a bold person, with lots of design experience using different textures, colors, and ideas, but would you use color blocking with window film? We believe it’s time to put this new design idea to work! It’s fun and cutting edge. Doesn’t that say it all?

Visual harmony

We like looking at what other people have done before we decide on anything, especially with colors. Here are a few ideas from YouTube (all shorts) to get you started:

Big, sweeping swathes of color

Oxford Dictionary defined color blocking in fashion and design as follows:

(in fashion and design) the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color.”coral leather looked infinitely cool styled with a cobalt skirt—a modern lesson in colorblocking”

Your blocks o’ color might not always be diametrically opposed on the color wheel, but some people like to do that. So, for example, you might use yellow and purple to make the colors really pop. You might use two colors together that don’t ordinarily get mixed.

Color blocking rules

Color blocking is almost always bold and bright. There’s nothing subtle about color blocking. Also, there’s usually something BIG about color blocking. Using teensy-tinsy bits of color just won’t do. Speaking of bold and bright, you might like our previous bold and bright post about how window film can save you on your energy bills: Energy Savers for Spring.

Color block like a pro

It’s important that if you’re going to start color blocking, you have some confidence. At first, you might need to “fake it ’til you make it.” And remember, if you’re combining paint colors and window film, it’s easy to change paint colors. With 3M dichroic window film, you can have access to a range of colors, which shift in color as you change angles. For instance, Chill dichroic window film shifts the cool colors, while Blaze shifts the warm colors.

Deciding what to keep

When you’re working with color, you may need to simplify. Color blocking with nine different colors will just seem muddled in the end. Nobody wants that! So start with two or three colors, and move on from there. You can always add more color later! In the top photo, you can see how Blaze dichroic window film is paired with blue furniture, which makes both colors really pop!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions–color blocking or otherwise! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Color Blocking CEO is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.