Save Energy, Reduce Utility Bills & Keep Cool This Summer With Window Film

Even though this Winter did its best to hang on, the warmer temperatures of Summer are on the way. We recently came across an article in Forbes Magazine entitled "Six Tips To Save Energy, Reduce Bills And Keep Cool During Summer". This article discussed several strategies that could be implemented, but number two on the list was installing window film. The article states, "External window film prevents the heat of the sun from penetrating the window, while internal window film prevents heat from transferring to the space. Studies have shown that filming your windows results in a 60% heat reduction."

It is great to see window films being recognized as a cost effective, energy saving retrofit. With modern window film technology, you can achieve great heat rejection without noticeably changing the appearance of your existing windows. By reducing the heat entering your space, you save energy and reduce bills because your HVAC system does not need to work as hard to keep up with demand. Depending on the type of windows installed at your facility, it is possible to see energy savings pay for the window film installation within the first 24 months after install.

In addition, window film is at its most effective during peak times of the day. The article also mentions the strategy of reducing electrical consumption in peak load hours saying,

"Daily summer temperatures are highest between 2:30 and 3:30 in the afternoon. Consequently, air conditioning equipment consumes much more power than usual during this peak..".

In many cases, energy rates during peak hours of the day are at their highest, so anything you can do to cut demand during these peak times has a larger impact on the overall energy costs. With window film blocking a large portion of heat from coming through the glass during these peak hours, you are reducing your energy demand at the very best time of the day.

You can check out the complete Six Tips To Save Energy, Reduce Bills And Keep Cool During Summer article in Forbes by clicking HERE.

If you would like to learn more how commercial window film options can help save energy, reduce bills and keep you cool this Summer, click HERE and contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing an energy saving window film solution in your space. We service Seattle, Washington and the surrounding communities.

3M Low E Window Film Save Money and Control Your Home's Climate

With the cooler temperatures already arriving, have you ever considered using a 3M Low E Window Film to help insulate your windows? This innovative technology is called 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film and it will help save money and control the climate inside your home by enhancing the insulating value of your existing windows.

Three Things You Should Know About 3M Low E Window Film

How it Controls the Climate in Your Home - 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film helps keep the warmth in during the winter and the cool conditioned air in during the summer -- keeping the weather out where it belongs – all season, every season. It helps reduce cold/hot spots, improving overall comfort throughout your space.

How it Increases Your Home's Energy Efficiency - Enjoy the benefits of a Low-E or "Low Emissivity" window at a fraction of the cost of replacing your windows. Upgrade your existing windows to be more energy efficient by improving the insulation value of a single pane window close to that of a double pane window and the insulation value of a double pane window close to that of a triple pane window.

How it Maintains the Beauty of Your Home - A virtually invisible film that is professionally installed to the surface of your glass. It has a neutral appearance that will not dramatically change the look of your windows -- inside or out. The Climate Control Series blocks up to 99% of UV rays, helping to protect artwork, furniture, hardwood floors, rugs and window treatments.

If you would like to learn more about 3M Low E Window Film and how it can improve your home, click HERE and contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Like Home Improvement Projects? Window Film Offers Great Benefits

Do you like home improvement projects? If you answered yes, you should really consider all the benefits a professionally installed window film can offer. In an article in NOLA.com, author Marni Jameson and Darrell Smith from the International Window Film Association discuss the benefits of window films to a homeowner and why they should consider it for home improvement projects. Here are some points that were brought up in the article:

• Color Neutral Options - "If you don't want to change the color of your home's natural light or see any metallic shine, ask for a color neutral day-lighting film," Smith said. Your windows will save energy but give up next to nothing in light quality.
• Lower Bills - In hot weather, solar-control films can block up to 80 percent of the solar energy coming through windows, which cuts down on air conditioning. "It usually translates into a year-round savings of about 5 to 10 percent of the home's total energy bill," Smith said, and much more during hot months.
• Added Protection - Visible light lies on the spectrum between ultraviolet, which damages furniture, and infrared, which beams heat. Treated windows will block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays, thus greatly slowing the deterioration and fading of drapes, carpet and furniture.
• Decorative Applications - Today's window films also can inexpensively make clear glass look etched or frosted for privacy or a decorative effect. Not a fix. If your window is in bad shape, leaking or poorly insulated, adding film won't fix that. Deteriorating windows should be replaced. However, if your windows are in good shape, don't replace them just for energy efficiency, Smith said. Try film first.

If you would like to read the entire article, click HERE

If you would like to learn more about how window films can help with your upcoming home improvement projects, click HERE and contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Upgrade the Glass of Your Existing Windows with 3M Thinsulate

Upgrade the glass in your windows to keep the weather out, and let the light in, all season, every season with 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film. Find out how to control your climate, increase your efficiency, get protection from UV rays, all while maintaining the appearance of your home, year-round.

3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film can upgrade your exiting windows in the following ways:

• Climate Control - Improve the comfort of your home by reducing hot and cold spots near windows.
• Increase Energy Efficiency - Save money on energy costs by upgrading your existing windows to reject the heat in the Summer and retain the heat in the Winter.
• Maintain Appearance - Maintain the appearance of your floors, furniture and furnishings by blocking the harmful UV rays from entering your home. Also, maintain the appearance of your home as this film can do all of these things without changing the look of your existing windows.
• Sunscreen for Your Home - Not only will this innovative film block the UV rays to help reduce fading of your furnishings, it will also protect your skin from UV exposure. Did you know that window film is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation? Find out more by clicking HERE.

If you are interested in ways to upgrade your existing windows to make your home more comfortable, save on energy and protect against fading, click HERE and contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

4 Reasons to Make Window Film Your Next Home Improvement Project

Summer is officially over, the kids are back in school and you know cooler temperatures are right around the corner. Whatever the reason, Fall is a great time to take on a home improvement project. After reading an article in the Huffington Post by Sam Cohen titled "Build Superior Homes By Installing Window Films — Valid Reasons To Add Them To Your Windows", I wanted to summarize four reasons he lists in the article that you might consider window film as a great choice for your next home improvement project. What are the Actual Benefits of Installing Window Film on Your Home?

• Creates a Comfortable Environment: After window films are installed in your home, they create a comfortable environment by reducing the heat coming through the glass and making your place a lot cooler. They also block irritating glare that can make some rooms uncomfortable at certain times of the day.
• Protects from UV rays: Window films can block 99% of the ultraviolet rays of the sun that enters your home. This is important because UV is a major contributor to fading. So, as the window film blocks the UV rays, it also protects upholstery, furnishings, tapestries, paintings from discoloration and fading.
• Enhances Security and Safety: Window films also help hold the glass together in the event of breaking of a window. Whether due to an attempted break-in, storm or an accident, the window film can act as a barrier to entry and protection from injury from glass shards
• Saves Energy: Window film not can improve the appearance of your home, it can also plays a huge role in saving on energy costs. Depending on what type of film you choose, you can save significantly on your energy costs.

You can read the complete article by clicking HERE

We hope that you found this brief list informative and that you would consider window film on your next home improvement project. If you would like to learn more, click HERE contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

How to Make Older Home Windows More Energy Efficient

Whether we like it or not, Summer is coming to an end and now is the best time to begin considering home improvements to make your house more energy efficient before the cooler temperatures arrive. One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is by making your window openings perform better. We came across a great article in Times Square Chronicles that discusses ways you can make your older windows more energy efficient. While the article discusses several ways to improve the energy efficiency of your windows, they specifically the benefits of using window films as well. The article states that:

"Window film is an energy efficient layer that can be added to windows, improving how you heat and cool your home. There are solar film options that block ultraviolet rays so it can not just help with heating and cooling issues, but also protect your rugs and furnishings against sun damage."

The window film products we offer can help reject heat in the Summer to saving on cooling costs and retain heat in the Winter to save on heating costs. Not only will your home be more comfortable, but you will be able to keep it that way at a lower cost.

If you would like to check out the entire article in Time Square Chronicles, click HERE.

If you would like more information on the window film products that we offer and how they can make your home more energy efficient, click HERE contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Window Insulation for Home Comfort and Energy Efficiency

We wanted to share this great proof of technology regarding our 3M Thinsulate window film and how it can improve your home comfort and energy efficiency. This client has a variety of windows that they wanted to insulate from the heat leaving in the Winter and the Heat entering in the Summer. We arranged to have a thermal infrared camera to capture the effects the film was having and the results were eye opening. In the picture above, you can see the windows above the sink. The one on the left has 3M Thinsulate installed and the one of the right does not. You can see from the infrared image that the treated window is retaining the heat and is providing valuable insulation. The untreated window is allowing the heat to escape through the glass as seen by the dark reddish/purple color of the window pane. The blue areas show that the window frame and walls in some areas are not even insulating as well as the treated glass now is.

The best part, is that once 3M Thinsulate is installed, you can barely detect anything is even on the glass. The picture shown is of these same windows. The one on the left is treated and the one on the right has not been treated yet.

The owner of the of the home was the individual that wanted the proof of technology via the thermal infrared camera. After the product was installed and he saw the images, he had this to say about how the 3M Thinsulate Window Film worked.

For decades, insulation has been used in the walls and ceilings of our homes to control the flow of heat between inside and out. 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film works much in the same way. It improves the insulation value of a typical single pane window to that of a double pane window and a double pane window to a triple pane window. This improves home comfort by keeping the warmth in during the winter and the heat out in the summer.

Some of the benefits of 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film are:

• Helps keep you warm during cold winter months.
• Good heat rejection provides additional comfort and energy savings in the summer months.
• Film offers high visible light transmission with a neutral appearance to help maintain a home's existing appearance.
• Significantly blocks the amount of harmful UV rays that cause fading, helping to extend the life of furnishings.
• Includes a comprehensive warranty from 3M.

If you are interested in controlling the climate and increasing your home comfort and energy efficiency, and would like more information on 3M Thinsulate Home Window Film, Contact ABC Sun Control by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

It’s Not to Late to Improve Your Home with 3M Thinsulate Window Film

It's never too late to improve your home with 3M Thinsulate Window Film. Whether it is cold outside and you are trying to keep the heat in, or it is warm outside and you are trying to keep the heat out, 3M Thinsulate Window Film is the answer. This revolutionary film acts as insulation for your windows and improves their performance in both Winter and Summer. Here is a list of the benefits this 3M Window Film can do.

• Helps keep you warm during cold winter months.
• Good heat rejection provides additional comfort and energy savings in the summer months.
• Film offers high visible light transmission with a neutral appearance to help maintain a home's existing appearance.
• Significantly blocks the amount of harmful UV rays that cause fading, helping to extend the life of furnishings.
• Includes a comprehensive warranty from 3M.

This virtually invisible insulation enhances comfort and efficiency year round. This unique window film helps retain warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer by increasing your windows’ insulation value. A single-pane performs close to a double-pane, a double-pane performs close to a triple-pane. If you would like more information on 3M Thinsulate Home Window Film, Contact ABC Sun Control by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Insulate Your Windows with 3M Thinsulate Home Window Film

Home in Gig Harbor, Washington Controls the Climate with 3M Thinsulate Home Window Films

We recently had the pleasure to help the homeowner of the beautiful house in pictures above insulate their windows with 3M Thinsulate home window film. Many homes, like this one in Gig Harbor, Washington, have a great deal of glass. These exposes of glass are great for views, but not so good for home comfort. Often a home will have hot or cold spots depending on where windows and vents are located. You have insulation for the walls and the roof, why not your windows? Well, finally there is an answer, 3M Thinsulate Home Window Film. Best of all, it can be barely noticeable on your glass.

3M Thinsulate Home Window Films Improve Your House in These Three Ways

• Control the Climate - 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film helps keep the warmth in during the winter and the cool conditioned air in during the summer -- keeping the weather out where it belongs – all season, every season. This window film helps reduce cold/hot spots in your home, improving overall comfort for you and your family.
• Increase Efficiency - 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes in the U.S. escapes through the windows. 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film is a low emissivity or “low-e” window film which improves the insulation value of a typical single pane window close to that of a double pane window and the insulation value of a typical double pane window close to a triple pane window. This film will make your windows more efficient and save you money on energy costs at a fraction of the cost of replacing your windows.
• Maintain Appearance - 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window film is a virtually invisible film that provides comfort and fade protection without dramatically changing the look of your windows. This film blocks up to 99% of the sun’s UV rays, thereby helping to reduce fading of furniture, upholstery, hardwood floors, and window treatments.

We hope this post shed some light on all the ways 3M Thinsulate Home Window Films can be used to improve and enhance your home. If you would like any additional information about 3M Thinsulate Home Window Film, Contact ABC Sun Control by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Improve Commercial Windows with 3M Window Film

When tenants complain about rooms that are too hot or you notice that your energy costs are trending skyward, 3M Window Films can help improve commercial windows by helping increase tenant comfort, conserve energy and even increase safety and security. 3M commercial window films offer enhanced protection from accidents, natural disasters, break and entry, bomb blasts and flying glass fragments. They could also simply help upgrade your glass to code. 3M was issued the first sun control window film patent in 1966, and our innovative window film products have helped provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays for 50 years. Today, millions of square feet of 3M Window Film have been installed all around the world. Upgrade your building with 3M Window Film, and you’ll be reaping the rewards for years to come.

We’re ready to help you find the right solution to improve commercial windows in your facility.

Save Energy

Are your energy costs going through the roof? 3M Window Films can significantly reduce the amount of heat coming through your windows to help lower utility costs. Your tenants get a more comfortable environment, and you get increased energy savings.

• Fast payback — as little as 3 years
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Save more money, no matter which climate zone you are in
• Use toward potential LEED credits

Improve Comfort

Help keep your tenants comfortable, and you’ll keep them for the long run. 3M Window Films can significantly increase the comfort level of your building by virtually eliminating hot spots and cold spots, reducing glare and increasing safety without changing its aesthetics.

• Reject heat and reduce hot spots
• Reduce annoying glare
• Increase insulation and reduce cold spots

Increase Safety

Accidents and natural disasters can wreak havoc on your building operations, but you can be better prepared to cope with the aftermath. 3M Window Film can help hold broken glass together, preventing flying glass shards, the leading cause of injuries and fatalities.

• Engineered to protect people and property
• Reduce damage and loss of data
• Lessen business disruptions

Strengthen Security

Your tenants want to know they’re in a secure building, and you want to protect your data and merchandise. 3M Window Films can help protect people and property from outside threats like forced entry, vandalism and even bomb blasts.

• Makes forced entry more difficult — can help to deter intruders for up to 2 minutes
• Helps mitigate loss of assets
• Reduces business disruptions

Enhance Décor/ Privacy

Give your tenants custom and elegant interiors that provide enhanced privacy without sacrificing natural light. 3M Glass Finishes let you define spaces without confining them.

• Get expensive looks at a fraction of the cost
• Create the look of etched, cut or sandblasted glass
• Enhance the appearance of your space and add branding

Redirect Light

Brighten your building’s interior and brighten your chances of landing a long-term tenant. 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film uses micro-replication technology to cast light as far as 40 feet (12 meters) from the window.

• Redirect light up onto the ceiling
• Flood deep rooms with natural light
• Reduce the need for electric lighting

We hope this article shed some light on all the ways 3M Home Window Film can be used to improve commercial windows. If you would like any additional information about 3M Commercial Window Film, contact ABC Sun Control by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.