Even though summer is just beginning, the temperature is already rising. As you walk around your house, you may notice some sunny spots that feel warmer than the rest of your home. Although basking in the sun might feel nice, hotspots can make your home more challenging to cool, wasting energy and costing you more money. Not to mention, it can put extra strain on your HVAC unit as it tries to keep up with the fluctuating temperatures. But what causes solar heat gain, and how can you help reduce its presence throughout your home?
What Causes Solar Heat Gain?
Solar heat gain occurs when the sun’s radiation warms a space. Although we can’t see it, infrared light passes through glass, warming the objects inside. As the flooring, furniture, textiles, and other valuables inside receive the sun’s energy, it radiates throughout the home, causing excess heat. That’s why homes filled with glass windows and doors are often warmer in the summertime when the sun’s light is the strongest. You feel the same type of effect when you step inside a greenhouse. Luckily, there’s a product that can help with solar heat gain and improve your home’s energy efficiency simultaneously: window film.
Beat the Heat with Sun Control Window Film
3M Sun Control Window Films are designed to fight the causes of solar heat gain at the source. Sun control window film works in several ways to provide more comfort to your home:
- Reflects solar heat to maintain comfortable temperatures
- Blocks nearly all harmful UV rays
- Reduces bothersome glare
Reflects Solar Heat to Keep Temperatures Cool
Even though it’s practically invisible, 3M™ Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series reflects up to 97% of infrared light to fight solar heat gain. Best of all? It lets natural light pass through, meaning you still have a sunny, well-lit space — without the uncomfortable hot spots! Maintain views of the outside while making it easier to cool your home. With window film, your home can better keep up with fluctuating temperatures to save energy, reduce strain on your HVAC system, and improve comfort.
Blocks Nearly All Harmful UV Rays
Along with rejecting solar heat and filtering infrared light, window film blocks 99.9% of all damaging ultraviolet rays. This means it’s effective at fighting the leading causes of fading, keeping your furniture, flooring, and artwork looking new for longer! In addition, because UV rays are also one of the leading causes of skin cancer, window film also protects occupants’ skin from the adverse effects of the sun.
Reduces Glare for Improved Comfort
Whether you’re working from home or watching TV on the couch, the sun can often cast an annoying glare at certain times of the day. One added benefit of darker tinted varieties of window film is that it reduces bothersome glare. Fight solar heat gain and improve comfort by applying window film throughout your home.
Get Sun Protection for Your Home or Office
As a cost-effective investment, window film will provide relief from the hot sun and quickly pay for itself. Although solar heat gain is most obvious in the summer, window film offers year-round protection for your home or office. Speak with one of our window film experts today to learn more about sun control window film and our other available products.
ATD Solar Film & Graphics provides residential and commercial clients with high-quality window tinting services. As a Premier Elite 3M Certified Dealer, we prioritize customer service and strive for flawless installations every time. Contact us today for a free consultation, samples, or for more information!