One way to reduce solar heat gain and improve the energy efficiency of a building is window film. Solar control window film is applied to the inside of a window where it reflects and absorbs heat. In addition to reducing the need for cooling, window film helps create an even, comfortable temperature throughout a building.

“If a building has mainly large glass areas facing north and south, additional cooling may be needed to maintain comfort for offices on the southern exposure,” says Steve Debusk, energy solutions manager, CP Films. “In situations like this, offices on the northern exposure are typically overcooled and uncomfortable. By reducing the solar heat gain on south facing offices, the air conditioning system is better able to maintain comfortable conditions for all.”

How Window Film Works
Solar control window film reduces heat gain by blocking solar radiation. Solar radiation, or solar energy, is made up of three components: ultraviolet radiation, visible light and near-infrared radiation. Near-infrared radiation makes up 53 percent of the solar spectrum, visible light 44 percent, and ultraviolet 3 percent. When rays from the sun hit a window, some of the energy is absorbed and some is reflected by the window, but most is transmitted through the glass. According to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a pane of clear glass reflects about 6 percent of solar radiation, absorbs 5 percent and transmits the remaining. When this energy enters a space and is combined with the ambient heat already present in a room — due to people, computers and reradiated heat absorbed by furniture and carpeting — the excess heat can make an uncomfortable difference, particularly for people near windows.

A reduction in solar heat gain can translate directly into fewer kwh used for cooling. What’s more, most utilities have a separate demand charge based on the highest monthly rate of electricity use for a year, or the peak demand. This charge is in addition to the regular cost of electricity. By reducing the amount of cooling needed during peak periods, demand charges can also be reduced.

Because of its ability to help save energy, window film is recognized and encouraged as an energy-efficient retrofit.

“The ability to reduce energy costs for buildings is widely accepted by many utility companies that offer significant incentives and rebates for installation of window films,” says Debusk. “Window films are used extensively by energy service companies that implement energy-efficiency improvements to facilities.”

The Full Spectrum
Although reduction in solar heat gain and cooling costs are the primary benefits of window film, there are other advantages as well. The near-complete rejection of UV rays can decrease fading of furniture and mitigate the harmful effects UV rays have on building occupants.

“All quality window films reject between 95 and 99 percent of ultraviolet energy,” says Smith. “UV is not considered part of heat gain, but it can be destructive as well as cause long-term exposure problems to individuals.”

Window film also reduces the amount of visible light that comes through a window, which can help reduce glare on computer screens and other reflective surfaces. The amount of visible light transmitted is part of the SHGC, so the amount of visible light rejected will depend on how much near-infrared radiation is rejected.

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1. Is the provider properly licensed and insured? — For example ALL residential and commercial window tinting needs to be completed by a licensed contractor. Check the status of their license as well to make sure it is active and in good standing with the CSLB (California State License Board). If you get work that is done by an individual or company that is not properly licensed, you are solely at total risk with no recourse and whatever warranty they promised or provided you IS NOT LEGALLY VALID.

2. How well do they rate within the community? — Check their reviews and references. If everyone says they are a less than quality provider, you should keep looking. Don’t let their low price fool you into thinking your getting a good deal. That good deal could cost you many times over in the end of you’re not careful!

3. After the provider has left and you are given sufficient time to review the information provided to you, do your research and make sure that anything that was represented can be backed up by more than just the works of the representative that visited you.

Residential and commercial window tinting falls under these same laws. If your window tinter is not licensed and insured, you should do your civil duty in reporting it to the CSLB and then find another company. …Like Superior Window Solutions!

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