How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency

As we ease back into our new normal, many people have been asking about window film and energy efficiency. They want to know if having window film will help their building be more efficient, and how it will affect their energy bills. According to 3M “An estimated 33% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain from windows.” There’s also this: “The Department of Energy considers window film a top-tier technology for energy conservation with one of the fastest paybacks — approximately three years.” By the way, here’s our last article about the New Normal: How the New Normal Will Eventually Make Life Better.

The Planet Is Getting Warmer

Nearly everyone now agrees that the planet is warming. For sensitive individuals, even a degree or two can have an impact on their health. With window film, you can avoid much of the solar heat gain from your windows. And that means that your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. You might like this article about global warming: Window Film and Global Warming: What You Need to Know.

Comfort is Key

If you’re comfortable in your home or office, it stands to reason that you’ll spend more time there. When a room is too warm, you’ll probably avoid that area, right? So one of the hidden savings is that you’ll get to use more of your home or office if you have window film, rather than always moving to another area of your building. And since we’re all spending more time indoors and at home, being comfortable is even more critical. Also, in places like San Francisco, there isn’t much space to begin with–many of us live in very small apartments or condos.

Utility Companies Offer Incentives

You may have to search a bit to find the rebate forms for your area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, PG&E offers rebates for certain energy efficient products. Some, such as solar, are more well known than others. Your CPA may be able to help you locate tax incentives.

Where to Start with Window Film?

You can start with a call to us–we can discuss your options and give you suggestions. We also have a lot of information on our website, including our blog. We also recommend the 3M window film site, which you can find here: 3M Commercial Window Film. Some other suggestions are:

• Pinterest has many ideas — use it as a search engine.
• Houzz–you may find windows and window film that you like here
• Online interior design magazines, such as Design Milk
• Architectural Digest