The best energy efficient window film for you is the one that meets all your needs. There are numerous circumstances to consider when deciding on the right window film for your building. Your climate and your existing windows matter. Knowing your current situation, your needs, and your options helps draw the most beneficial conclusion.
First and foremost, window film is a flexible product with multiple layers of treated polyester. Often window film has a lightly metalized layer for greater solar properties. The range of thickness for this product measures from 1 mil (0.001”) to 15 mils (0.015”) thick. Whatever your needs are regarding energy efficiency and even building security, there is the right window film for your property.
Warmer Climates
All window films are not created equal. Nor should they be. The requirements for window film in a warmer climate client is different than what is needed for a cooler climate. More solar exposure, particularly in the southern states, necessitates a highly energy efficient window film that focuses primarily on rejecting heat while allowing light in.
In glass and glazing circles, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) rating system is used to gauge one product’s solar performance versus another and is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. The lower the number, the less solar heat effects a space. This measurement should be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate energy efficient window film, particularly in a warmer climate. A solar window film that affords a low SHGC is more effective at reducing your HVAC system’s production load during the summer.
Cooler Climates
If you are in a longer winter climate, investing in a window film with a low-e (low-emissivity) coating will reduce winter heat loss, and increase thermal comfort of occupants. The emissivity of a product is its ability to reflect heat generated inside your building back into the heated space rather than allowing it to go outside through the window. Like SHGC, the lower your emissivity is, the better it is at keeping the heat you generated inside.
But you don’t have to choose whether you want a film for a cooling-dominated climate or heating-dominated climate. NGS has solutions that perform both functions – year-round energy savings and carbon reduction.
Energy Efficiency Leadership
There are numerous factors when considering types of energy efficient window films. It can be challenging to know where to begin. NGS has the latest information on all window films, and offers building modeling and energy engineering services that help you get evidence of performance. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a meeting with an NGS building energy efficiency expert to discover how window film will perform on your building.
