When you think of window film, you may think of the window tint you often see on cars. Window film is a bit different, however, in that it is a thicker, more versatile product. They enhance the windows and window treatments in your home or office by offering style options but they also provide a very practical benefit for your home and family: reducing carbon footprint.
Reduces Your Carbon Footprint
Most of us do what we can to conserve the planet's resources, especially when doing so also means lowering our utility costs. We have learned the importance of conservation, reusing, and repurposing materials to reduce the carbon emissions that come with manufacturing and energy consumption.
The manufacturing process for producing window film is much lower than manufacturing glass. So, rather than replacing your window for more energy-efficient ones, you can add window film instead. You increase your home’s HVAC efficiency and also save yourself the expense of purchasing and installing new windows.
Window film adds a layer of insulation. Depending on the style of window film you choose, it can also block heat and UV rays from entering your room. That means your HVAC unit doesn't have to run as much to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Your electric bill is lower, and your HVAC system will last a few years more to boot.
Reduces Heat and Glare
Natural light is essential for any room in your home. However, natural light brings a few problems with it, such as glare and heat build-up. Glare can make the environment uncomfortable. If it falls on your TV, it can also keep you from enjoying a program during the day.
Sunlight and heat go hand in hand. As the sun shines in, your room heats up, which also drives up your electric bill. Window film allows you to reduce heat or block it all together with white or black blackout film. In fact, white exterior blackout film actually reflects heat more effectively than black. It's the same principle that applies to summer clothing. White and light colors keep you much cooler than black because white reflects light (and heat) while black absorbs it. With either blackout film, though, you won't have to run your air conditioner as much to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Further, up to a third of your home's utility bill is spent on wasted heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer through untreated windows. Window film lowers your heating as well as cooling expenses by keeping some of your furnace's heat from escaping during the winter and reducing solar heat from entering during the summer.
Provides UV Protection
You already know how the sun's UV rays can damage your skin and fade your lawn furniture. Now, think about how it affects the furniture and valuable collectibles in your home. Over time, sunlight can fade your carpet and furniture. It can even lighten hardwood floors. In addition to regulating heat, window films also block damaging UV rays.
Many people with valuable antiques and artwork often keep their collections in darkened rooms with closed curtains to protect their investments. Window films provide a barrier that lets some natural light in while blocking problematic UV rays out. Window film helps preserve all the colors of your fabrics, flooring, and special collections. Here's a guide to choosing the best curtains for you.
Remember that UV rays also damage your skin and eyes. While you wear sunscreen outside under direct sun, UV-blocking window film gives you UV protection while you're indoors.
The Perfect Window Replacement Alternative
If your windows are old, they are not as energy efficient as newer windows, and replacing windows can be a costly home improvement project. Fortunately, window film can serve as the perfect alternative to window replacement; they can even improve your home's security too!
Provides Sleep Benefits
Lack of sleep is an ongoing problem for so many of us. We should have an average of 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but most Americans are getting less than that. Not getting a proper night's sleep can lead to increased stress as well as health problems.
People who work in the evening, may have difficulty sleeping during the day due to sunlight coming through the windows in their room. Sleeping during the day isn't natural, so many of those on the third shift lose recuperative sleep during the day due to unwanted light.
Blackout window film for your bedroom can help. Our bodies are inherently programmed to sleep when it's dark. After the sun goes down and we turn out the light, our bodies settle in for the night. As we sleep, the brain produces melatonin, which allows the body to rest and regenerate as it should. When there's light present, the brain correctly assumes it is daylight, and it stops producing melatonin. Are you doing the graveyard shift? Here are the top sleeping must haves for getting the best sleep.
Blackout windows effectively block out light and allow the person to sleep without the intrusion of light to interrupt melatonin production. This helps more than just those who work nights. If your neighbourhood is in the city or close to street lamps, you may have too much artificial light streaming through your windows. In this case, blackout window film can help you as well.
Enhances Privacy
Perhaps one of the nicer perks of window films is the added privacy. Even if you don't wish to black out your windows completely, privacy frost film is an attractive option that lets in natural light and looks lovely as it gives you privacy. Privacy window film is an excellent option for bathrooms or any rooms you have that face the street.
Make It a Weekend Project
Window films are easy to install yourself, making them a fast weekend DIY project. Because they are so much more affordable than replacing your windows, you'll be able to enjoy them immediately. Feeling creative? Consider window film to complement your window treatments and enjoy the added benefits they have to offer.
