Reduce Summer Cooling Costs with Window Films
Posted on: Mar 8, 2011 Category:Windows
Roughly 35-85% of the solar energy that hits a window passes through the glass and heats up your home. This accounts for up to 40% of summer air conditioning bills. The simple answer to reduce energy costs is to block the sun before it enters your home. There are several ways to do this:
1. You can purchase energy conscious low-e, triple glazed, heat mirror or the likes. Minimal u value should be .32 but lower in cold climates (Like we have in Ann Arbor, Michigan) is way better. This is recommended when the windows don't operate properly, the wood is rotten or moldy, or the old windows are drafty.
2. It may be that your windows seem to operate ok, the curtains aren't moving, and no moisture on the wood/aluminum can be seen. Very likely even that the windows in your home are not that old. Rather than listen to all the sales hype around new windows maybe you should look at window film. This can be one of the most cost effective methods for energy efficiency.
In the hot summer a correctly installed window film can reflect the suns rays. This will delay and even stop radiant heat transfer. Films can even be purchased that will create a safety glass situation for areas that children play in. The films can be used to cut glares of natural sunlight thereby protecting precious furniture or even better viewing for television. Window films can be made darker or lighter and even offer stencil and designs that are realistic. All in all, window film can be purchased for about a quarter of the cost of replacement windows. This makes it one of the quickest return on investment projects in your home. Feel free to ask one of our energy specialists about quality window films and more about what you can do.
