Solar Window Film: How It Works and Why You Need It
Understanding solar window film, how it works and why you need it is the key to more comfort and efficiency in your home. Solar window film reduces heat, glare and UV. This article explains how and why.
Quick Facts
Solar window film reduces solar heat gain, blocks UV and saves energy, so it’s a quick fix for more comfort without major renovations.
There are different types of solar window films, reflective, tinted and ceramic each with its own benefits for glare reduction, aesthetics and heat rejection.
Benefits of solar window film: energy efficiency, UV protection, indoor comfort, privacy, safety. A must have for any home.
What is Solar Window Film?
Solar window film is a special film that prevents heat build up by reflecting part of the solar energy. Made from tough polyester laminate, it’s a versatile addition that can be applied to existing windows. Reduces solar heat gain, blocks harmful UV rays, energy efficiency and solar control window film makes these functions more effective.
We’ve found solar window film to be amazing at reducing heat and glare. We applied it to our windows and it’s made our living spaces so much more comfortable. This is not a luxury but a practical solution for those who want to get more from their home without major renovations.
Solar window film is easy and effective. Apply it to your existing windows and they become heat and glare reducing tools. Perfect for summer.
How Does Solar Window Film Work?
The magic of solar window film is in its ability to reflect, absorb and dissipate solar heat. It reflects part of the solar energy and reduces heat transfer and heat build up in your home. The outside surface of the film appears reflective during the day, bouncing away the sun’s rays before they hit the glass.
This reflective layer reduces heat and glare and creates a more comfortable indoor environment. Despite its heat blocking ability, solar window film allows warmth and light transmission, so your home stays bright and cheerful.
Solar window films allow visible light transmission and rejects solar heat. This balance gives you natural light without the heat and glare. So you can enjoy your space no matter how strong the sun is.
Types of Solar Window Films
With different types of solar window films to choose from, you need to know which one is for you. Reflective, tinted and ceramic each has its own benefits for your specific concerns.
We’ll get into each one in detail.
Reflective Solar Window Films
Reflective solar window films have a metallic layer that reduces glare and redirects solar heat while allowing natural light in. This metallic finish reflects solar energy and reduces heat without compromising your view.
These films are very effective, rejects up to 80% of solar heat and reduces glare by 85%. Reflective films are perfect for energy saving and a bright interior.
Tinted Solar Window Films
Tinted solar window films come in various shades, each to reduce glare and enhance your window’s visual appeal. These films can reduce glare while still allowing a lot of natural light to enter your space.
Neutral-grey films give a discreet look, high performance in glare, heat and privacy without changing the exterior look of your windows. Tinted films is a balance of functionality and aesthetics, that’s why many homeowners love them.
Ceramic Solar Window Films
Ceramic films rejects heat effectively while maintaining clear view from inside. These films are known for their high heat rejection without visibility obstruction, so your view remains unobstructed.
Nano-ceramic films, lightweight and blocks 99% of UV rays, is for high performance without increased reflectivity. Ceramic films is for those who want high performance without compromising window clarity.
Solar Window Film Benefits
Solar window film has many benefits, it’s a must have in every home. From energy efficiency and UV protection to comfort and privacy, the benefits are many.
Here are the benefits below.
Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest benefit of solar window film is that it increases energy efficiency. This means lower energy bills. Reflects and absorbs solar energy, the film reduces your reliance on aircon during hot summer days, energy saving and a more comfortable indoor space.
Plus, solar window film retains heat inside during winter, reduces the need for heating systems. This 2-in-1 functionality makes it a cost effective solution to have a comfortable indoor climate all year round, and lower your energy bills.
UV Protection
Solar window film can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while allowing visible light to pass through. This is important for skin health and interior furnishings from prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Using solar window film extends the life of your furniture and artwork by preventing fading and sun damage. High quality solar film gives maximum protection from harmful rays without compromising the natural light in your home.
Comfort
Solar window film creates a comfortable indoor space by blocking excessive heat and glare from the sun. Unlike blinds or curtains, solar window films prevents heat from entering the room without obstructing view or natural light.
Keeping the indoor temperature and visibility, solar window films is more effective than traditional window coverings in reducing heat while you can still enjoy the view and natural light.
Privacy
Solar window films can provide privacy by blocking outsiders from looking in while allowing those inside to see out. These films creates one way privacy during the day, security by limiting outside visibility.
Privacy window films comes in multiple options, frosted or mirror films that allows natural light in while blocking view from outside. Decorative window films not only provides privacy but also as a design element with various styles and custom designs.
Installation and Maintenance of Solar Window Film
Proper installation of solar window film is important to avoid creases or bubbles that can affect the film’s performance. Make sure the selected film is compatible with the type of glazing, some glass may require external application.
Maintenance is just regular cleaning using non-abrasive materials and mild cleaning solutions to keep the film performing. Sealing gaps and cracks around the windows will enhance the performance of the film.
Avoid using harsh chemicals and sharp objects during maintenance to prevent damage to the solar window film.
More Benefits of Solar Window Film
Safety and security window films adds extra protection by reinforcing the windows, makes it harder to break. These safety and security films prevents glass shards from scattering when broken, safer environment.
Plus, solar window films comes in various designs, mirrored and neutral options to fit your style. Window film is a cost effective solution compared to traditional decorative glass options like stained or etched glass.
Choosing the Right Solar Window Film
When choosing solar window film, start by identifying the specific issues you have such as heat, glare or privacy. Consider your specific requirements and preferences when choosing window film to maximize energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
For glare reduction, choose a darker film with 20% VLT or less. Knowing the types of films and their benefits will help you decide what’s best for your home.
Conclusion
Solar window film is a powerful tool to increase energy efficiency, protect from UV rays, comfort and privacy. Knowing the types of films and their benefits will help you decide to improve your home. Use solar window film and enjoy a more comfortable, energy efficient and secure living space.
FAQs
What is the purpose of solar window film?
The purpose of solar window film is to reduce solar heat gain and block UV rays, to increase energy efficiency.
How does solar window film reduce heat?
Solar window film reduces heat by reflecting, absorbing and dissipating solar radiation, minimizes heat transfer and prevents heat buildup in your home.
What are the types of solar window films?
There are three types of solar window films: reflective, tinted and ceramic, each with its own advantage for energy efficiency and UV protection. Which one to choose depends on your specific needs and preferences.
How can solar window film increase energy efficiency?
Solar window film increases energy efficiency by reflecting and absorbing solar energy, lowers aircon cost in summer and retains indoor heat in winter. This two in one benefit is for overall energy savings in any building.
Do solar window films provide UV protection?
Yes, solar window films blocks up to 99% of UV rays, skin health and protect interior furnishings from damage.
If you would like to discuss your solar window film installation or book a free consultation, get in touch here.