Are you tired of excessive heat, glare, and high energy bills? Solar window film might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the different types of solar control window films, their benefits, and how to choose the perfect one for your home. Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of solar window film for your home today!

Short Summary

  • Solar control window films provide energy efficiency, UV protection and heat reduction for your home.
  • Professional installation of window film offers expertise, warranty coverage and long-term performance benefits.
  • Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of window film to maximize its comfort, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Understanding Solar Control Window Films

Solar window film (also known as solar control window film) is a transparent, micro-thin film designed to regulate the sun’s heat, brightness, and harmful UV rays that enter through window glass. These films offer a plethora of advantages, including improved energy efficiency, UV protection, and heat reduction, making them a popular choice for homeowners.

By reducing exposure to natural light, solar window films (also known as solar control window films), can help preserve furniture, carpets, artwork, and other household objects from fading.

Solar control window film is manufactured with a scratch resistant coating that prevents scratching from cleaning and routine care.  The other side is coated with a strong adhesive that allows the films to bond to the glass surface preventing any lifting.  Within the product are thin layers of various metals and coatings that block harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays, Infrared (IR) light, or heat, and reflect or absorb visible light reducing glare.

Types of Solar Control Window Films

There are several types of solar control window films available, including reflective, non-reflective, ceramic, and low-E films. Reflective films are designed to absorb energy and reject solar radiation, while non-reflective films absorb excess light and heat, making them suitable for glass windows.

Other options include neutral window film, specialty window film, and dual-reflective window film, all of which can help reduce heating costs. With so many choices available, it’s essential to understand your specific needs and preferences in order to find the perfect solar control window film for your home.

Advantages of Solar Window Film Installation

Installing window film results in increased energy efficiency, UV ray protection, reduction in excessive heat and glare, and cost savings. These films work by reducing heat gain and protecting against UV rays while preserving the home’s visual appeal and view.

Let’s explore these advantages in more detail. Increased energy efficiency is one of the most important benefits so we will start there.

Boost Energy Efficiency

Solar control window films can have a considerable impact on energy consumption and insulation, resulting in reduced energy bills. Madico solar window films can effectively reduce up to 81% of the sun’s energy from entering a home. During the summer months, solar control film provides ongoing protection from the sun’s heat, reducing the need for air conditioning to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.

In the winter, solar films possess insulation properties that help to retain heat, thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to heat the home. This means that window films not only provide comfort during hot summer days, but also contribute to energy efficiency year-round, ultimately saving you money on heating and cooling costs.

UV Protection

One of the significant benefits of solar window film is its ability to protect your skin and furnishings from harmful UV radiation. For instance, Madico’s privacy window film can reject more than 99% of UV rays.

By blocking damaging UV rays, solar window film helps to prevent fading and degradation of furniture, carpets, artwork, and other items in your home. Moreover, it safeguards your skin from the harmful effects of excessive UV exposure, contributing to your overall health and well-being.

Heat Reduction

Solar window film is effective in reducing up to 81% of the sun’s heat, ensuring your comfort and protection. Visible light and infrared light are the primary sources of the sun’s heat.

Reducing infrared energy (heat) coming in through your windows is what helps keep your home or office building comfortable in the warmer months and produces the best energy saving benefits. If reducing heat gain is the primary goal, look for a film with a high Total Solar Energy Rejection measurement.

The reduced heat gain results in a more comfortable living environment, as well as improved energy efficiency by decreasing the need for air conditioning during hot summer months. With window film, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable home all year round.

Glare Reduction

living room with lots of windows

Solar window film significantly reduces glare, providing improved comfort throughout the year. By minimizing glare, window film helps to reduce eye strain and create a more comfortable environment for work or relaxation.

Whether you’re watching TV, working on your computer, or simply enjoying a book, glare reduction is a crucial aspect of solar window film that contributes to a more pleasant and comfortable living space. Say goodbye to squinting and straining your eyes with the help of window film. Look for a product with a high glare reduction to reduce the amount of visible light entering through the windows.

Cost Savings

Solar control window film has been shown to significantly reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower energy bills. With a range of solar control window films available, such as reflective, tinted, and low-e films, homeowners can experience numerous benefits, including enhanced energy efficiency, minimized UV exposure, decreased heat, reduced glare, and overall cost savings.

Take into account your window type, the climate, and your desired level of privacy when selecting the optimal window film for your requirements. By considering these factors and finding the right solar control window film, you can enjoy significant cost savings on your energy bills.

Protect Your Home and Health

Solar control window film can provide protection by limiting UV exposure and regulating indoor temperature. Installing window film increases energy efficiency, provides UV protection, reduces heat, reduces glare, and results in cost savings.

Considering factors such as the type of window film, the size of the window, the climate, and the desired level of privacy when selecting the most suitable solar window film for your requirements is essential. With the right window film, you can safeguard your home and health by reducing UV exposure and maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

By blocking damaging UV rays, solar window film helps to prevent fading and degradation of furniture, carpets, artwork, and other items in your home. Moreover, it safeguards your skin from the harmful effects of excessive UV exposure, contributing to your overall health and well-being.

Choosing the Right Solar Window Film for Your Needs

woman's hands on ipad shopping

To choose the right window film for your needs, you should consider factors such as appearance, performance, and durability. Different types of solar window films, such as non-metallized, multi-layer optical film, and nanotechnology, offer varying benefits and aesthetics.

Let’s delve deeper into the factors to consider when selecting the perfect solar window film for your home.

Factors to Consider

When selecting the ideal solar window film for your home, consider the aesthetics, heat reduction capabilities, UV protection, and glare reduction. Window film can provide a modern and stylish aesthetic to your home while offering functional benefits. In terms of heat reduction, solar window film can be beneficial in reducing the heat entering your home, providing a more comfortable atmosphere and improved energy efficiency.

Additionally, solar window film can help safeguard your home from damaging UV rays, which can result in fading and degradation of furniture and other items in your home. Lastly, glare reduction is an essential factor to consider for creating a more comfortable environment and diminishing eye strain. By understanding and evaluating these factors, you can select the perfect window film for your home’s unique needs.

Professional Installation vs. DIY: What to Know

professional or diy window film installation

When it comes to solar window film installation, you may be wondering whether to opt for professional installation or take the DIY route. While DIY installation is typically more cost-effective, there are significant advantages to professional installation that should not be overlooked. Professional installers have the experience and expertise to ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently.

Expertise and Warranty

The benefit of a professional installation is the expertise, warranty, and long-term performance provided. Expertise guarantees accurate installation procedures, ensuring the window film performs optimally and lasts longer. Additionally, a warranty offers assurance and security for you the homeowner, providing peace of mind in case any issues arise.

While DIY installation may seem to save money upfront, the benefits of professional installation – such as expert application, warranty coverage, and sustained performance – should be carefully considered. Ultimately, your choice between professional installation and DIY will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and comfort level with the installation process.

Maintaining and Caring for Your Solar Window Film

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your solar window film, proper maintenance and care are essential. Madico’s surface protection films, for instance, safeguards devices, furniture, tables, desk surfaces, countertops, and more.

For best cleaning results, do not clean the film for 30 days after installation. Do not use brushes, pure ammonia, industrial strength cleaners, or solutions that contain abrasive materials. Always use a soft clean cloth to wash and dry your windows. Avoid coarse paper towels. Windex® or similar window cleaning solutions may be safely used. A rubber squeegee may also be used. *Windex is a registered trademark of SC Johnson

By taking care of your solar window film and ensuring its protection, you can enjoy the benefits of increased comfort, energy efficiency, and UV protection for years to come.

Summary

In conclusion, solar window film offers a range of benefits, including energy efficiency, UV protection, heat reduction, glare reduction, and cost savings Understanding the different types of solar control window films, considering crucial factors when selecting the perfect film, and weighing the pros and cons of professional installation vs. DIY, you can make an informed decision and unlock the full potential of solar window films for your home. So, why wait? Transform your home into a comfortable, energy-efficient haven with solar window film today! Find a Madico Dealer near you. Find a Madico Dealer near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does solar window film really work?

Solar window film is effective in blocking up to 99.9% of UV radiation, reducing heat and protecting from fading colors.

However, it doesn’t provide any added privacy benefits, so if you’re looking for both, reflective window film may be the better choice.

Does solar window film reduce heat?

Solar window films can reduce heat gain by up to 80%, while providing UV protection, increased privacy, and improved aesthetics. They are also much cheaper than replacing windows, making them an attractive solution for commercial and residential properties alike.

How much does solar control window film cost?

On average, solar window film installation costs between $8 – $20 per square foot, plus additional fees for installation.

Multiple windows or larger window sizes can cost up to $900.

How long does solar window film last?

Solar window films can last up to 30 years and come with warranties of 10-15 years, if installed and cared for properly.

What are the main benefits of solar window film?

Solar window film offers significant benefits, such as energy efficiency, UV protection, heat reduction, glare reduction, cost savings, and home and health protection, making it a great choice for many households.

It can help reduce energy costs, protect furniture and carpets from fading, and protect occupants from UV radiation. It also reduces glare, making it easier to watch television or work on a computer. Additionally, it can help keep a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

window film installer