- Article Contents:
- Third Party Studies
- Case Studies
- Energy Efficiency Upgrade Cycle
Over 68 million square feet of 3M™ Window Films have been sold in the U.S. in the last decade.
3M invented window films and has spent decades developing them. Today there are millions of square feet of 3M™ Window Films installed all around the world. We never stop creating new window film products and solutions to help protect people and property, reduce energy costs and improve interior comfort. Put your trust in 3M, a name you know for quality products and services.
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Third Party Studies
Department of Energy (DOE) Study
Background
In 2011, the US DOE completed a study on the top 50 commercially available energy conservation technologies. The technologies were ranked on three categories:
• Payback
• Probability of success
• Overall energy savings
The technologies were then sorted into two categories:
• First tier technologies—for deployment
• Second tier technologies—technologies with less benefit and may be considered for specific targeted applications
Results for Window Films
• Ranked as top tier technology
• Fastest payback ranking available—approximately 3 years
• Highest probability of success
Probability of success is based on customer acceptance, ease of retrofit, knowledge base of the technology, and supply chain strength
Additional Results
Only four technologies received both a fastest payback rating and highest probability of success. • Window films • PC power management • Condensing water heaters • Air side economizers and filters for data centersReplacement windows were also studied, yet they received much slower payback ratings and lower probability of success due to the significant initial investment costs and disruption to tenants required for a new window replacement.[1]
CONSOL Study
Background
CONSOL Energy and Environmental Solutions is a leading consulting firm for builders, government agencies, utilities and trade associations. CONSOL utilized the US DOE recommended software platform, Energy Plus, to calculate the effects of adding window film to a commercial building. The commercial building model used was the DOE recommended Energy Plus Commercial Building Benchmark Model. The study was completed in ICC Climate Zone 3.
Results
This study further justified the DOE study with the following results:
• Single pane glass showed paybacks in as short as 1.4 years
• Double pane glass showed paybacks in as short as 2.1 years
• The film had annual energy savings as much as 19 kWh/sq. ft. of installed film when installing on all four orientations (this number would increase if you did not include the north orientation!). If every existing home in the state of California installed window film, carbon emissions would be reduced by as much as 8.8%.
After publishing this study in 2011, the state of California updated their building code to include window films![2]
1. www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/new_technologies.html
2. www.consol.ws/index.php[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1365″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Mount Terrace Condominium, Hawaii Kai, Hawaii | Climate Zone 1
Challenge: To retain a consistent look for the condominium complex, while also finding ways to reduce the cost of managing the building.
Solution: 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Prestige 50 was chosen to obtain a maximum amount of energy rejection while maintaining the current look of the building. In addition, the Prestige series product was chosen because it has no metals, and therefore no possibility of corrosion from the ocean air.
Results:
Payback—Less than 2 years
Savings—Greater than $270,000 annually
Energy Saved—17 kWh/sq. ft. of glass
Date Completed—2012[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1366″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]National Bank of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona | Climate Zone 2
Challenge: To retain the natural lighting while reducing both the heat it generated and the glare on the banking floor. Minimizing disruption to normal banking operations was paramount.
Solution: 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Prestige Exterior 40 was installed because of its high reflectivity of heat-producing infrared light and harmful ultraviolet rays. It is non-metallic, thus it will not corrode, negating the need for edge sealing and minimizing installation time. Much of the project’s cost was offset by an energy-efficiency rebate from Salt River Project (SRP).
Results:
Glass—Double pane tinted
Payback—Less than 5 years
Savings—Greater than $25,000 annually
Energy Saved—12 kWh/sq. ft. of glass
Date Completed—2011[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1367″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]1501 Clinton Avenue, Baltimore | Climate Zone 5
Challenge: Non-intrusively cut energy costs and increase interior comfort in a short time frame without affecting the tower’s reflective modernism. Paramount, was the issue of paying for up-front job costs on a limited budget.
Solution: 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Ceramic Series 30 which offers low reflectivity, high clarity and outstanding heat reduction was installed. To help pay for the project, 3M facilitated a custom rebate program with ICF International, the entity that supports Baltimore Gas and Electric’s (BGE) energy efficiency programs.
Results:
Glass—Double pane tinted
Payback—Less than 4 years
Savings—Greater than $45,000 annually
Energy Saved—Greater than 380,000 kWh
Date Completed—2010[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1368″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Century Plaza Towers, Los Angeles, California | Climate Zone 3
Challenge: To solve interior temperature imbalance and to make the towers more energy efficient without drastically changing the look of the historic buildings.
Solution: 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Neutral 35 which offers high heat rejection and neutral light appearance was installed. Much of the project’s cost was offset by a rebate of $116,000 from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Results:
Payback—Less than 1 year
Savings—Greater than $200,000 annually
Energy Saved—Greater than 15 kWh/sq. ft. of glass
Date Completed—2009[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1369″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Fifth Third Center, Cincinnati, Ohio | Climate Zone 4
Challenge: To control incoming light and heat in order to keep tenants comfortable, reduce energy costs and to maintain the building’s striking aesthetics.
Solution: Solar Tint, who had installed 3M™ P19 Window Film back in 1980, was chosen to update the facility’s window film to further reduce energy costs by installing 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Neutral 20.
Results:
Payback—Less than 1 year
Savings—Greater than $100,000 annually
Date Completed—2000[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”1370″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]There are many energy conservation technologies available to help you save money. It is essential not only to choose the right products, but also to complete your upgrades in a sequential order such that you can maximize your profits. Often envelope upgrades (such as window film) are overlooked and owners jump right to optimizing their HVAC system. If you create a more efficient building envelope before HVAC improvements, you can downsize your HVAC equipment in the future, enabling you to reach the maximum possible performance for your profits.
Comfortably Cool
3M™ Sun Control Window Film can reduce the temperature in direct sunlight by as much as nine degrees, making your space much more usable and comfortable. The graph below shows a four day temperature logging experiment conducted on an office building.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”1372″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]