Learning About Historical Window Replacement and Materials

How Window Films And Tinting Can Reduce Energy Loss From Your Home

3 July 2018

Isaiah Brewer

When choosing a window film for your home, you should weigh all the possible benefits such as energy efficiency, UV blocking, and privacy and then decide which are your priorities. If energy efficiency is your priority, you're in luck because there are many window film products, with varying degrees of tint, that can help reduce energy loss through your windows. Here's how they do it.

Reflecting energy away from the window

Some energy focused window films are designed to install on the outside of your window and block the sun's heat rays from entering. They do this by reflecting the energy back away from the window rather than absorbing it or letting it through. Other window films, called low-emissivity films, are calibrated to reflect heat back in both directions. In winter, they reflect the heat back into your home when it tries to escape. In summer, they reflect heat back out of your home when it tries to intrude.

Focusing on invisible energy

You might wonder whether films designed to block heat and light will make it more difficult to see through your windows or make you install more artificial lighting. Or maybe you've had bad experiences in past decades with older models of this type of product. Nowadays, manufacturers have refined these products until they're able to let visible light in, so your view through the windows still isn't reduced. In general, only the invisible rays and harmful rays, such as UV rays, are blocked. In addition to energy benefits, this also prevents the sun's UV rays from damaging your home's interior and your belongings. 

Supplementing the insulation value of double-glazed windows

Even if your windows are double- or triple-glazed, they can't prevent the sun's heat from striking through. That's because double glazing is geared towards blocking conductive heat transfer. Radiant heat can still sneak in easily. This includes both visible sunlight (which you want to let through) and invisible heat rays (which you don't want to let through).

Once you pair that double-glazing mechanism with a window film that blocks radiant heat, both of the major types of heat transfer are significantly reduced. This means your window has more well-rounded insulation properties. And because some of the radiant heat is harmful UV radiation, this type of window film can also help protect your skin and reduce curtain and upholstery fading.

These are the basics of how window films can help your home avoid and reduce energy loss. If you're looking for a product that doesn't reduce window visibility and natural lighting, you'll want to go with a less tinted film, but if you're looking for privacy and want to block as much sun as possible, you'll want to choose a more tinted product. For more information, contact your local window tinting service. 

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