Five Ways Window Film Can Improve Commercial Spaces

Five Ways Window Film Can Improve Commercial Spaces

This is a quick summary of a great article that published in Facility Executive Magazine on five ways that window films can be used to improve your facility. The article hits on several of the key ways that building owners and commercial property managers integrate window films to improve commercial spaces.

1. Energy Conservation: Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is through windows. Installing window film reduces the stress on a facility’s HVAC system. Many films block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, helping to cut cooling costs.

2. Safety and Security: Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of any building. They are easy points of entry for people who may mean harm to the occupants, the building itself, or its contents. When professionally installed safety film is added, the glass doesn’t shatter, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely matter.

3. Health and Comfort:The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends solar control window film to protect healthy skin and prevent premature aging. Window film lets natural daylight in, but blocks up to 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 80% of the sun’s heat protecting the building’s occupants and preventing interior furnishings from fading. Employees are also more productive and comfortable thanks to window film reducing solar glare, not only on their computer screens but throughout the entire building.

4. Green Benefits: Nearly 75% of windows are not energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Window film installation costs a fraction of new window replacement, and accomplishes many of the same goals, as well as going a long way in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

5. Aesthetics: Window film can improve the aesthetics of any commercial building. By improving the look of dated windows with film, the whole building will appear as though it had a modern facelift. Many manufacturers also offer decorative films that can add style, privacy and create a unique interior design. With certain styles of decorative films, facility executives can even achieve the look of etched glass at a fraction of the cost.

You can check out the entire article by clicking HERE

If you would like more information on the ways that window film can improve commercial spaces, click HERE and contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

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.

Reduce Glare and Harsh Light Making Your Home More Comfortable this Winter?

If You Need to Reduce Glare and Harsh Light, Window Film Can Help!

Most people think of window film or window tinting primarily as something that helps in the Summer. However, Winter is often the time when glare and harsh light become big issues. Is there a way to reduce glare and harsh light while maintaining your views? The answer is yes, but first let's look at why this problem may be worse in the Winter.

There are three reasons this is the case:

1. The sun is lower in the sky during these months which means that it is shining more directly into your windows versus from a more overhead position in the Summer months.
2. There are no leaves on the trees to block the sun. Many homes and commercial properties have foliage in the Summer that serves to offer some shade. In the Winter, with this gone, they have to deal with glare issue that are not present at other times of the year.
3. The refection of the sun off of the snow. When there is a layer of snow on the ground, it acts like a big mirror to reflect the sun's rays. This can make any harsh light issue even worse at this time of the year as it is actually amplifying the light coming through the glass.

So, What Can Window Film Do?

The window film we offer is likely not like the picture in your head of a darkly tinted car. Technology has enabled current window films to block a great deal of glare as well as heat without restricting your view. In fact, like a high quality pair of sunglasses, the innovative technology found in window film today actually serves to enhance your views. The harsh light and glare is eliminated allowing your eyes to relax and your home or commercial space to become a more comfortable place to be.

We hope this article served to "shed some light" on how window films can be used to reduce glare and improve comfort in the Winter. If you would like more information, check out the link located HERE and call us at 800-488-5099 or email us at sales@controlthesun.com. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing window film solution in your home or commercial space.

Resolve to Have a More Comfortable and Energy Efficient Home in 2018

With 2018 just getting underway, why not resolve to have a more comfortable and energy efficient home this year? While your home's windows open your space to natural lighting, warmth and views of the outside world, there are also the downsides. Unfortunately these same windows also open you up to high energy costs, heat build-up, excessive glare, and the premature fading of interior furnishings. Implementing a high quality home window film solution can improve the comfort and increase the energy efficiency of your windows and allow you to bask in the sunlight, worry-free.

Some of the Benefits of a Home Window Film

• More Energy Efficient Home - According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home’s utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Home window tinting can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to your home’s existing windows, window films can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs.
• Improved Comfort by Reducing Heat and Glare - Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, home window tint reduces glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in the comfort of your home. Because home window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.
• Reduce Hot and Cold Spots Throughout the Home - Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within your home by using film that reduces heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas. This will create a more balanced temperature across the space and reduce the load on your air conditioning system.

If you would like more information on how you this can be the year that you have a more comfortable and energy efficient home, click HERE and then contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your home.

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.

Seven Noteworthy Benefits of Utilizing Home Window Films

We recently came across an article published by Proud Green Home that discussed how home window films could make your house more energy efficient. However, in addition to energy efficiency, the article mentioned six additional noteworthy benefits of utilizing home window films. We have summarized them below as thought you might be interested in all of the ways that window film can compliment your next home improvement project.

Benefits of Home Window Films

• Reduces Glare – Applying tint to your home windows can result in blocking significant amount of the sun’s glare from passing through the glass.
• Protects Your House Interiors –The sun's UV rays penetrate through windows of your house. With prolonged exposure, your house furnishings, carpet, rugs and upholstery can become faded and damaged. Window tinting offers a great solution for fading issue as it typically blocks 99% of the UV while still allowing you to enjoy your windows.
• Energy Savings –Window tint can act as a window insulator keeping heat out in the Summer and retaining heat in the Winter. This can help home owners decrease their utility bills by reducing how hard their heating and air conditioning system needs to work to keep the house comfortable.
• Increased Privacy – Window films can be used strategically throughout your home to offer additional privacy through certain windows without the need for blinds or curtains.
• Enhanced Safety – Accidents happen and a window can bet broken. When this happens with a typical home window, the glass breaks in a way that can be dangerous. Home window film can keep the broken glass in place and reduce the danger.
• Added Security – Security home window film exists that can provide the other benefits listed and make uninvited entry into your home more difficult. This makes these types of films a perfect compliment to a home a security system.
• Affordable Alternative to Window Replacement – At some point nearly any window may need to be replaced, but by using home window films you may be able to significantly extend the useful life of your existing windows while achieving the benefits you desire. Having a professionally installed window film applied is much less costly and far less disruptive to your home than window replacement.

We hope this list helped you understand the variety of ways home window films can help on your next home improvement project. If you would like more information, click HERE contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

How to Protect Against Sun Damaged Floors and Furniture This Summer

Summer is here and while most of us welcome the sun, we don't always appreciate the damage it can bring. The extra daylight hours combined with the heat and UV rays can cause sun damaged floors and furniture in your home. This article is designed to examine the true causes of this sun damage and guide you through one of the best ways to avoid ruining a floor or piece of furniture like you see in the picture above. First, let's discuss what exactly causes this type of sun damage. A common misconception is that the sun's UV rays are what cause sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings. While these UV rays are certainly the largest component that causes fading, as this chart illustrates, they only account for 40% of the total. Solar heat, or the heat you feel passing through your windows and the visible light streaming in are also major contributors. These account for an additional 25% each of the causes of fading. The last factor is listed as "other" as it is comprised of a variety of things that are harder to control and are not major overall contributors. These are things like interior lighting, humidity, etc.

One of the first things you might realize from this chart is that you cannot "stop" ading completely. The fact is that unless the item you want to protect in a dark, climate controlled room, it will typically fade over time. However, if you plan to have the flooring and furniture in a place that will be exposed to these elements, the most you can do is attack the major contributors of fading. By significantly attacking these contributors, you can slow down this fading process and extend the life of your floors or furnishings. For these reasons, one of the best ways to attack the primary causes of sun damage and fading is with window film.

Why Is Window Film a Good Solution?

As mentioned above, most people do not want to "close-up" their home in an effort to stop the damage from occurring. So, assuming the windows will not be covered, you need to attack the factors before they enter the home. Window film is a great option because it attacks all three major contributors of fading before they enter your home. Most professionally installed window films will block 99%+ of the UV rays. In addition, many window films can significantly reduce the heat coming through the window. Finally, it is possible to block up to 60% of the visible light coming through a window without noticeably darkening the window. When you combine the overall reduction in these three factors of fading, you can take a large slice out of the pie shown above. The best part is this protection can be accomplished while retaining the open feel of your home by using window film.

We hope this post shed some light on what the factors of sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings are and how utilizing window film is one of your best options to address this issue. If you are interested in learning more, contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Did You Know These Six Benefits of Home Window Film?

The benefits of home window film are wide-ranging. Windows open your home to natural lighting, warmth and views of the outside world. Unfortunately, they also open you up to high energy costs, heat build-up, excessive glare, and the premature fading of interior furnishings. Tinting your home’s windows with a quality window film allows you to bask in the sunlight, worry-free. Cut Your Home Cooling Costs Up to 50% According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home’s utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Home window tinting can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to your home’s existing windows, window films can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs.

Reduce Heat and Glare Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, home window tint reduces glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in the comfort of your home. Because home window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.

Lessen the Effects of Harmful UV Rays Most fabrics, furnishings and artwork can fade simply by allowing daylight to pass through an untreated window. Home window tinting will block up to 99.9% of all UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect your family and preserve the color of your furnishings, fabrics and carpets.

Corrects Temperature Imbalances Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within your home by using film that reduces heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas. This will create a more balanced temperature across the space and reduce the load on your air conditioning system.

Protect Your Home and Family Glass can be a real hazard in the home when broken from accidents, storms, or break-ins. Safeguard your family and your property with home safety window films. This transparent but powerful barrier helps hold glass in place should an impact occur, help keep an intruder out and help defend you against the unexpected.

Affordable Alternative to Replacement Windows While damaged or deteriorating windows simply have to be replaced, home window tinting provides an affordable alternative to replacement when your goal is to improve energy efficiency. In fact, the cost for quick, professional installation is about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows!

To learn more about these site benefits and all of the other things a Home Window Film can do for you, contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.

Three Reasons Window Film Should Be On Your Home Improvement List

As we head into Summer, most of us likely have a home improvement list we plan on working on in the coming months. In this article, we are going to give you three reasons why implementing a high quality window film should be on that list.

• Increased Home Comfort - Window films work to block excessive heat and glare from entering your home through the glass. Most homes have some windows that get a lot of sun throughout the day. In these areas of the home, there can be hot spots from the heat entering which is often accompanied by irritating glare. Often, in an effort to keep these areas of the home comfortable, your need to adjust your air conditioning. The problem then becomes that the home is often too cool in other areas where the sun is not shining in. By using window films on these specific windows, you can reduce the heat and glare specifically where the problem lies without covering the window with a blind or drapery.
• Reduce Energy Costs - Continuing with the point above, if you have windows that are allowing excessive heat to enter the home, your air conditioning is likely having to work overtime to keep your home comfortable. All that extra running is costing you money. When you reduce the heat entering the home, your air conditioning will not need to work as hard to keep the home comfortable and you will save money on utility bills as a result.
• Preserve Floors, Furniture and Furnishings - Our guess if that other things on your home improvement list may be things like new flooring, some furniture, artwork, etc. If that is true, you want to be sure to protect those things from premature fading and sun damage. The primary sources of sun damage and fading are UV, Heat and Visible Light. Window film works to reduce all three of these primary areas of sun damage. In fact, most films reduce over 99% of the sun's UV rays which accounts for 40% of the total causes of sun damage.

Hopefully these three points have you placing window film on that home improvement list. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a free, no obligation assessment of your home and how window film can help, contact us by calling 800-488-5099 or emailing us at sales@controlthesun.com.