Window film is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to reduce heat in your home or office building. Not only do window films save you time and money, but they also benefit the environment — while increasing  the aesthetic value of your building. 

Professional installation of high-quality heat reduction window films doesn’t have to be complicated. First, the correct 3M window film product needs to be recommended by a certified dealer, like Window Film Depot.  In this post, we’ve compiled the basic science of window heat transfer, the most effective ways to reduce window heat, plus five excellent options for heat reduction window film that cater to residential and commercial properties alike.

Read on learn about:

• Understanding Window Heat Transfer
• Most Effective Ways to Reduce Window Heat
  • Heat Reduction Window Shades vs. Window Film
• How Well Does Temperature Control Reduction Film Work?
• Window Heat Reduction Installation Options
  • Interior Installation with Window Heat Reduction Film Kits
  • Exterior Installation with Retrofit Heat Reduction Window Films
• 5 Best Window Films for Heat Reduction
  • 3M Residential Ceramic Sun Control Window Film
  • 3M Sun Control Night Vision Series Window Film
  • 3M Residential Sun Control Prestige Exterior Series
  • 3M Residential Sun Control Neutral Series
  • 3M Commercial Traditional Sun Control Series

Understanding Window Heat Transfer

Generally, heat transfer occurs when there is a temperature difference between two objects or spaces, flowing from hot to cold. Heat transfer occurs in three ways:

 

• Conduction: The movement of heat through a solid material.
• Convection: The movement of heat due to the movement of fluid.
• Radiation: The movement of heat through absorption, reflection, or transmission through electromagnetic waves, mainly in the infrared region.

Naturally, the rules of heat transfer also apply to windows. As interior spaces warm up in winter months, windows transfer heat outside; during hotter summer months, meanwhile, windows absorb heat, warming up air-conditioned spaces and forcing HVAC systems to work harder.

The effects of heat transfer can be extremely detrimental on home temperature costs. According to the Department of Energy, about 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows, while about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat in cooling seasons. To increase heat reduction, property-owners have several options to apply to their windows.

Most Effective Ways to Reduce Window Heat

There are numerous options for property-owners looking to improve heat reduction properties within home or business. Popular options include weatherstripping, blackout blinds, and even insulating windows with bubble wrap. Two of the most popular opinions, however, are window shades and window film.

Heat Reduction Window Shades vs. Window Film

Heat reduction cellular shades are designed to fold up at the top or bottom of a window, allowing for retractable heat reduction. Traditionally, cellular shades also “shade” a room by obscuring light, offering additional control of natural light within a space.

Window film, meanwhile, is a more permanent solution that is applied onto existing windows. Once installed, window film stays in place throughout the year for consistent, constant window heat reduction. Aesthetically, window film comes in a wide range of opacities, from optically clear to tinted, depending on your property’s needs.

Because window film offers more flexible visibility while maintaining heat reduction, it exceeds window shades in terms of design capability. Temperature control window film can still allow nearly all of the natural light of a traditional window, or provide a tinted environment for properties looking for greater privacy. Adding shades or curtains to windows with film provides additional design flexibility without having to rely solely on them for heat reduction benefits.

How Well Does Temperature Control Window Film Work?

Professionally installed window film is scientifically proven to offer more powerful, consistent heat reduction than other methods. EFILM software models based on the Department of Energy’s standards to model a building before and after window film have shown 3M window film products to reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat, leading to a net negative carbon impact within six months of installation. 

Beyond heat reduction, installing window film can offer financial incentives for businesses. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act made it so properties can gain tax credits for reducing emissions of Greenhouse Gasses and Hydrofluorocarbons. Utility companies in some cities even rebate the installation of window film by as much as 50% — making window film a clear financial choice.

Additionally, ConSol Energy and Environmental Solutions, a leading consulting firm for builders, government agencies, utilities, and trade associations, calculated the effects of adding window film to a commercial building. Their study found that temperature control window films installed on single-pane glass showed paybacks in as little as 1.4 years and provided an annual energy savings of 19 kWh/sq ft of glass.

Clearly, exterior window films offer a considerable amount of heat reduction and improved energy efficiency. They are an affordable solution compared to replacing entire windows and can be installed much more quickly with minimal interference in your day-to-day.

Window Heat Reduction Film Installation Options

There are quite a few heat reduction window film products available, but they can be broken down into two main categories: those that are installed inside and those installed outside. Both add an additional layer of heat reduction to your existing windows, essentially upgrading them from single-pane windows to double-pane windows, or double to triple.

Interior Installation with Window Heat Reduction Film Kits

This type of window film is applied to the inside of a home or office building. Film heat reduction kits include a large piece of shrink-wrapping plastic that can be cut to size and an adhesive material like tape or magnets which are used to secure the plastic film to the window frame. Once installed, a heating element like a hairdryer is applied to the plastic, which shrinks it to the correct size.

Window film heat reduction kits are one of the cheapest ways to increase heat reduction in your home. However, since they are installed inside, they can be unsightly – which is why many homeowners tend to steer clear of them. Window heat reduction kits need to be installed and removed every year with the change of the seasons. So, if you’re looking for short-term, one-season use, then they might work for you.

Exterior Installation with Retrofit Heat Reducing Window Films

These window films are made up of multiple layers of ultra-thin plastics which are applied with an adhesive to the exterior of existing window glass. Once installed, these films are nearly invisible unless you want to incorporate tinting or mirroring for privacy.

Because they are a permanent solution, these window films have the additional benefit of heat retention in the winter along with retaining cool air in the summer, so you get energy efficiency year-round.

They also provide UV blocking capabilities which will keep your furniture and merchandise from fading and prevent glare for those inside, making for a more comfortable environment overall.

5 Best Window Films for Heat Reduction

Convinced about the merits of installing heat reducing window film on your property? We’ve identified 5 excellent options that cater to residential and commercial properties alike.

3M Residential Ceramic Sun Control Window Film

One of the best heat reducing window film options on the market today, the 3M Residential Ceramic Sun Control Window Film will reject up to 80% of harmful heat-producing infrared rays. It also blocks harmful UV rays that can lead to fading, extending the lives of your furnishings. The non-metalized film is manufactured with a scratch-resistant coating that provides clarity and clear views. This ceramic series is also capable of rejecting up to 59% of the heat coming through your windows, which is especially valuable during the warm summer months.

3M Sun Control Night Vision Series Window Film

Ideal for commercial properties, this window film rejects up to 71% of the sun’s heat to reduce glare and eye discomfort. The film offers enhanced views with very low interior reflectivity, especially at night. Its scratch-resistant coating will provide clear views, while the unique nano-technology provides great color stability. As above, you also get the all-important blocking of harmful UV rays that can cause your furniture to fade.

3M Residential Sun Control Prestige Exterior Series

Arguably the best window film for heat reduction available today, this unit does an excellent job at keeping your space nice and cool. The non-metalized film will reject up to 97% of infrared light, providing energy savings and greater comfort. It allows a high transmission of visual light, adding great aesthetics and a stylish exterior. All products in the prestige exterior series range are great for the environment, becoming carbon negative as quickly as 6 months after installation.

3M Residential Sun Control Neutral Series

An excellent heat reducing window film for those on a budget. This product has excellent heat rejection, resulting in significant energy savings and improved comfort. The soft hues give this window film a very sleek and stylish look, while also reducing glare and any eye discomfort. Harmful UV rays will help prevent your furniture from fading quickly and the comprehensive warranty minimizes any risk on your end.

3M Commercial Traditional Sun Control Series

This modern and stylish series is geared towards commercial properties — offering a great way to improve the energy performance of your building without breaking the bank. It blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and is excellent at maximizing your privacy. The tinted reflective films are great for your energy performance and can have this product pay for itself within 3 years.

Contact Window Film Depot, Experts in Window Heat Reduction Film

Providing substantial energy savings, benefiting the environment, and boasting seamless design, window heat reduction film is an essential purchase for businesses looking to lower the energy impact of their windows. For smooth installation and expert advice on what temperature control film is best for your property, you should consult the experts.

At Window Film Depot, we tailor our window film solutions to your property’s unique needs — combining incredible communication with hands-on installation from one of our experienced team members. Contact us today to start the process of finding window heat reduction film for your home or business.

Both electrochromic film and photochromic film are some of the industry’s most advanced dynamic glazing products offering transformational capabilities for your windows. However, these technologies are very different and offer varying benefits.

While one offers on-demand privacy, the other offers dynamic sun control. We’ll break down the technology behind these films so you can better understand which is right for you.

What is Smart Glass?

Smart glass refers to a variety of intelligent glass options with varying properties that can transition depending on circumstances and includes switchable smart film (smart tint) and switchable smart glass.

There are three types of smart glass: both electrochromic glass and photochromic glass fall into this smart glass category.

Some glass comes with photochromic or electrochromic technology already built-in. Alternatively, smart glass film can be applied to existing glass, giving it either electrochromic or photochromic capabilities.

Electrochromic Window Film

Electrochromic film, also known as electrochromic window tint or “switchable” film, is a unique product that turns windows from transparent to frosted or tinted on command. It can be used in a variety of installations, from interior to exterior, where on-demand privacy or sun protection is required.

Electrochromic is a word used to describe materials that can change color when energized by an electrical current. The electrochromic tint of electrochromic windows is controlled by the amount of voltage applied to the glass. At the press of a button, the voltage changes, causing a reaction within the electrons that changes the way it reflects light.

The main advantage of these smart glass windows is that you can directly control the switchable nature so that you can tint the window when needed but leave it transparent in other situations. This maximizes access to views and the desired amount of light, allowing design freedom and giving architects the ability to design without blinds or other window shades.

Electrochromic glazing is ideal in many situations but is often applied in interior installations on windows, doors, and glass walls to provide a dynamic layer of privacy. Commercial, government and educational buildings can all benefit from the use of switchable window films.

Additionally, this type of film can be used for exterior purposes to change the tint of windows on command. However, it often lacks the sun and temperature control capabilities that photochromic film delivers.

Photochromic Window Film

Another common name for photochromic film is “transitional” film. This type of film changes from clear to tinted when exposed to the sun’s UV rays through a chemical process within the glass. It adapts to the amount of sunlight to provide concentrated levels of sun protection, but only when it’s needed.

Photochromic glass truly is “smart glass” since it adapts on its own and doesn’t require electricity to power it. A popular photochromic film product is CoolVu transitional film, which blocks 99% of UV rays and reduces solar-induced heat by up to 80% while still maintaining your desired aesthetic. This built-in UV and heat blocking smart glass technology help save money on cooling costs, allowing buildings to run their air conditioning less. You get the same energy savings and light glare reduction as static tint films without unattractive metallic tint.

Electrochromic Window Film for your Building

While photochromic films are more beneficial for their sun control capabilities, electrically switchable electrochromic films are more appropriate in the context of privacy and when a certain aesthetic needs to be maintained.

Whatever your smart glass needs are, Window Film Depot is here to help. When it comes to deciding between electrochromic or photochromic window films, we can discuss with you what your needs are to help guide you to the best solution.

With current and upcoming carbon footprint reduction mandates aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, building owners, developers, and architects need a cost-effective solution to ensure compliance and avoid costly fines and penalties.

In addition to ensuring local and federal law compliance, there are many additional benefits of reducing carbon emissions from buildings. These include lower heating and cooling bills, lower electricity bills, and even funding and rebates available to buildings that have made these modifications.

Cities including New York City, Boston, and Washington DC have led the charge on carbon footprint reduction by mandating buildings to reduce and report their energy usage. These cities will be imposing fines and penalties as early as 2022 for non-compliance. With such a fast-approaching deadline, finding a fast, efficient, and cost-effective solution – like window film – will allow building owners to remain compliant without making significant changes to their building or systems.

What is Carbon Footprint Reduction?

Carbon footprint reduction is the practice of consuming less energy. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial and residential buildings combined consume nearly 40 percent of the total energy usage in the United States, more than both the industry and transportation sectors.

Today, there are more than 4.7 million commercial buildings in the United States alone.

With the recent carbon footprint reduction mandate put into action by the Biden administration, taking carbon footprint reduction measures is more important than ever. Biden’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target aims to reduce greenhouse gases by 50-52 percent by 2050 from the levels measured in 2005.

Part of this plan includes supporting energy efficiency upgrades in previously constructed buildings and adopting modern energy codes for new buildings. Finding a cost-effective solution for how to reduce CO2 emissions in buildings now will let owners and developers get ahead of expected state laws and legislation designed to support the greenhouse gas reduction target goals.

Federal and Local Carbon Footprint Reduction Initiatives

There are both Federal and Local carbon footprint reduction initiatives and laws that building owners and developers need to be aware of. Non-compliance with these initiatives can carry serious fines and penalties, making compliance crucial.

Federal Climate Policy 106

Federal Climate Policy 106 focuses on reducing carbon emissions in the building sector, which consists of both residential and commercial buildings in the United States. Without factoring in the use of electricity, the building sector accounts for 12.5 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. This includes using fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and cooking.

However, once electricity usage is factored back into the equation, this number jumps to almost 40 percent. In other words, electricity usage in the building sector accounts for roughly 25 – 27 percent of greenhouse gasses in the country.

Building energy codes require new and renovated buildings to adopt energy efficiency features in their construction and design, and can include requirements for the building envelope (insulation, windows, walls, and roof), ventilation, cooling and heating systems, and lighting.

Making improvements to all of these elements can be costly, so finding a multi-purpose solution to address several of these elements at once can save builders and developers quite a bit of money.

NYC Local Law 97 & Climate Mobilization Act

In New York City, buildings account for about two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. In April 2019, the City Council passed the Climate Mobilization Act & Local Law 97. Both of these initiatives were part of Mayor de Blasio’s New York City Green New Deal, a systematic plan for the city to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Local Law 97 requires most buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet new greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency limits by 2024. Those limits will become stricter in 2030.

With only two years for NYC buildings to meet new energy standards, owners and developers need to quickly address these issues – or face fines and penalties if Local Law 97 compliance is not met.

Emissions Limits for Commercial Buildings in NYC

With emissions limits already being significantly reduced in New York City, understanding current and upcoming limits is an important part of implementing the right carbon footprint reduction methods that will make the most impact.

Boston’s Climate Action Plan

Buildings account for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston. As part of the city of Boston’s Climate Action Plan, they introduced the Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance. Also known as BERDO, the ordinance requires large- and medium-sized buildings to report both energy and water usage every year.

Additionally, buildings are also required to complete a major energy savings action or assessment every five years. BERDO Boston is public information and allows for easy benchmarking of commercial and residential buildings’ energy consumption and improvements.

Clean Energy Benchmarking in Washington DC

Clean Energy DC, signed into effect in 2017, is Washington DC’s climate and energy action plan that outlines the specific actions and steps that need to be taken to achieve tangible carbon reduction goals for the district.

The Clean Energy DC Plan aims to reduce emissions by 56% in 2032 compared to the baseline taken in 2005, similar to the plan set forth by the Biden administration. Washington DC’s sustainability plan outlines 57 concrete actions that need to be taken to achieve this goal.

Washington DC energy benchmarking for buildings has been required since 2008. But with the introduction of Clean Energy DC, there came the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) that were outlined in the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018. According to BEPS, buildings must maintain a minimum energy performance no lower than the local median ENERGY STAR score by property type.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Tips & Measures

Lighting

Installing or upgrading current lighting in existing buildings can help save energy and therefore reduce energy consumption. Upgrading all lightbulbs to LED bulbs is a good starting point. Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is to utilize solar power wherever possible. This can include outdoor lighting that uses solar boxes instead of traditional power sources.

HVAC

Improving the performance of your HVAC system can be expensive if you focus primarily on upgrading the system itself. However, by installing window film on all of the windows and doors of your building, you can improve the overall insulation of the building. In turn, this reduces the need for your HVAC system to run as frequently, which in turn reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Insulating Glass Windows

Similar to HVAC systems, replacing or reinforcing all of the windows in a building is an expensive, disruptive and unsightly process that can take a long time to complete. Window film is a much more affordable, less disruptive option that won’t change the aesthetic of your building – unless you want it to! Installing window film adds an additional layer of protection and insulation to windows, and turns a single pane of glass into a double pane, and a double pane into a triple pane.

Renovations & Adaptive Reuse

Builders and developers can make a greater impact by making renovations to an existing building or practicing adaptive reuse. Instead of building a new small freestanding retail store, renovating an existing abandoned corner unit in an otherwise busy building will reduce the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for new construction and materials.

Similarly, adaptive reuse repurposes entire existing buildings, which in turn takes away the initial carbon emissions created during the construction process, allowing the development to participate in a circular economy.

Because of these laws and regulations, many new buildings are being constructed to be net-zero. Different from carbon-neutral buildings, which is when buildings significantly reduce their carbon emissions and then offset the rest, net-zero buildings produce on-site or utilize renewable, carbon-free energy to sustain building operations.

Reduce Emissions with Commercial Building Envelope Improvements

Improving the building envelope in an existing building is fairly easy when you take the right steps. The building envelope consists of the roof, windows, exterior doors and cladding, and is often overlooked when it comes to carbon footprint reduction. But improving the building envelope is a great way to reduce building emissions.

Implementing low-cost, high reward strategies, like using window film to improve the building envelope, will allow commercial buildings to monitor energy consumption and reduction over time without making a huge investment upfront.

Since window film is applied to glass windows and doors, it addresses two out of four of the elements of the building envelope.

Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption in Commercial Buildings Using Window Film

Making significant, complex improvements to large commercial buildings can be disruptive to tenants, take months – even years – to complete, and depending on the upgrade, can be quite costly.

In contrast, window film is an aesthetically pleasing, comparatively inexpensive solution for commercial buildings to reduce energy consumption.

Reduce HVAC Energy Costs

As we discussed earlier, 3M™ window film products can help reduce HVAC energy costs in commercial buildings. This is achieved in several ways.

Heat control films allow buildings to regulate moderate temperatures more effectively by rejecting UV rays and electromagnetic energy, eliminating the need for a drastically fluctuating thermostat.

Low E and insulating films provide both heat blocking technology and window insulation, retaining cool air during the summer and warm air during the winter. This reduces the reliance on an HVAC system to run more frequently during extreme temperatures.

Improve Window Insulation

Installing window film helps provide insulation, which is yet another way to improve your building envelope efficiency.

Window film turns single pane windows into double pane windows and double pane windows into triple-pane windows without the expense of adding actual glass to the window itself.

This added layer of protection and insulation helps reduce HVAC costs by helping keep heat in during cooler months and cool air during warmer months.

Not only is window film for commercial buildings a cost-effective way to improve your building envelope, but they also have additional benefits that other upgrades and improvements don’t.

Additional Benefits of Window Film

• • Sun control and heat reduction benefits of window film don’t just improve building envelope efficiency, but also increase the comfort of tenants.
  • UV blocking technology provides additional safety to tenants, equipment, and furnishings.
  • Window film provides added window security and shatter protection to exterior glass
  • Dark and reflective films allow buildings to update the look of their doors and windows
  • Clear films like 3M™ Prestige provide sun control, climate control, and energy savings benefits without changing the appearance of glass for building owners who don’t wish to alter building appearances.
  • Window film has no visual impact, allowing for easy approval from historical societies
  • With 3M™ window film installation, labor and materials are warrantied by 3M™ Company for up to 15 years
  • Certain states offer funding, rebates, and programs including LEED points and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager score increases

For more information about how you can use 3M Window Film products to improve your building envelope and reduce your building’s carbon footprint, please fill out the contact form below or call 1-866-933-3456.

Window tinting films offer privacy, UV protection, and energy efficiency, so they’re a popular window film solution. However, all window tint films have a lifespan and once they go bad, you’re left with bubbling, peeling, unattractive films that need to be removed and replaced.

Not all window films are created equal and some will go bad before others. A window tint’s lifespan depends on several factors: quality of the film itself, exposure to the elements, and the quality of installation. A professional installation can mean the difference between decades of savings or a few short years before the tint needs to be replaced.

Reasons to Remove Old Window Tint

Bubbling

Bubbling is caused by failing adhesive and poor installation methods. Many people will try peeling and reapplying the area that has bubbled, but this can make the situation worse. Unfortunately, once a film has bubbled, it needs to be fully replaced.

Discoloration

Over time, window tint will become an unappealing purplish color due to the breakdown of certain dyes in the window film. Discoloration also means the film has lost its UV blocking capabilities, so it should be replaced with a newer, effective window film.

Aesthetics

Sometimes it’s just time for an upgrade. While your window film may not be failing, it could look dated and require replacement. This can be the most difficult situation for removal, though, because the adhesive will still be intact and much harder to remove.

How to Remove Baked on Window Film

When it comes to how to remove old window tint, there are several solutions out there that you can try yourself, or hire a professional team to perform for you. There are two aspects to window tint removal: removing the film itself and removing the adhesive.

If done appropriately, peeling the film off should be fairly easy. However, if done wrong you may end up with tiny bits of film left on the window that you’ll spend lots of time peeling and scraping at. If possible, you want to pull off the film in large chunks.

Removing window film adhesive takes time and effort. The goal is to have as much of the adhesive come off with the window film as possible. Then you’re left with a minimal sticky mess that will take elbow grease and solvents to remove.

After the film and adhesive have been removed, you will need to thoroughly clean the window before installing a new film. Any bits of dirt or adhesive that remain can cause bubbles and other issues.

The primary method of removal involves using heat to break down the window film adhesive so that the remaining tint can be peeled off. There are several tools you can use to accomplish this method and it is often seen as the easiest way to remove window tint. Use the heat starting at the corner of the window and as it starts to peel, heat new areas of adhesive to loosen it up.

Steamers

You can use a steamer to remove window tint and this is often seen as one of the quickest and easiest ways to do it. If you don’t have a steamer available, one can be rented. Use the steamer on both the interior and exterior (if possible) of the window to loosen the film and peel it away. This will also soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove film and glue at the same time.

Heat Guns

Curious how to remove window tint with a heat gun? Similar to using a steamer, the heat gun should be used on both the interior and exterior of the window to break down the adhesive. Once this is done, you should be able to pull the film off and scrape away any remaining adhesive with the tools below.

How to Remove Window Film Adhesive From Glass

Solvents

Once you’ve used one of the above methods to remove the film itself, you can use a solvent to remove window tint glue. Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or a window film adhesive remover are all very effective in breaking down the glue which can then be wiped or scraped off.

Sprays

You can also use a specially formulated window tint removal spray to remove the glue residue. These can be purchased at home improvement or auto parts stores.

Scraping

You may feel inclined to take a razor blade or sharp object to your window when you get down to the last bits of adhesive but use caution. It’s very easy to scratch the window if you don’t know what you’re doing. Once the window is scratched, there is nothing to do but replace it.

Removing Window Tint in Cold Weather

Since the main approach to removing window tint involves heat, it can be trickier to remove window tint in cold weather. You may struggle more to keep the adhesive soft in cold weather, but if you take your time and keep the heat gun or steamer close to the edge you’re peeling off, you should be fine.

Easiest Way to Remove Window Tint

We respect the DIY’ers out there, but window film removal and installation can easily be done wrong. Since installation plays such a huge role in the longevity of your window tint, we highly recommend hiring a team for professional installation. At Window Film Depot, we are ready to handle all of your residential and commercial window tint removal needs.

All of our contractors have been thoroughly trained on both removal and installation techniques so your residential or commercial project will be performed to the highest standards. This means you don’t have to worry about damaged glass or bubbly installations. You can sit back and let the professionals handle the hard work and know you’ll be much happier with the end product.

Interested in learning more about Window Film Depot’s products and installation services? You can contact us online or by calling 1-866-933-3456.