Using Window Film to Decrease Your Building’s Carbon Footprint

Solar heat gain from windows is responsible for a whopping 33% of cooling costs. Window film works to reject the sun’s heat to lower cooling expenses. Along with reflecting heat, window tinting also helps buildings retain warmth during the colder months of the year. By helping buildings better maintain temperatures all year long, window film can save both energy and money.

If the windows in your building are old or inefficient, replacing the glass can be expensive as well as time consuming. By installing window film, you can turn the performance of single-pane windows into that of double-panes or double-pane windows into that of triple-panes—and all for a much lower cost and faster installation than it would be to replace the windows. Window film is also a good option for older buildings that might not be able to structurally withstand the weight of a double- or triple-pane window.

Historical buildings might have less options when it comes to building envelope upgrades. But the good thing about window film is that you can select a tint that doesn’t affect the appearance of your building. Because of window film’s ability to maintain the look of original windows, it’s easily approved by historical societies since it doesn’t compromise the aesthetics. While clear window film is best for those that want to maintain an authentic look, many different styles, opacities, and colors of window tinting are available if you do want to update the style of your building.

To assist buildings with efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, the government is even offering low-to-no interest loans for building improvements such as window film. The monthly payments are simply added on to your property tax bill, and if you have the legal authority, you can also defer those costs to tenants as well.