Solar window film to residential windows creates an energy-efficient environment. Read more on the effectiveness of solar window film and its history.
Solar window film benefits residences and commercial establishments in many ways, making them more energy efficient, comfortable, and private. When you think about a home, office, high-rise, or large commercial property with many windows, they imitate a large solar panel. When you apply a high-quality solar window film to all the glass in these windows, you create an energy-efficient environment that can absorb or reflect the sun’s heat and solar rays year round. Here is more information on the effectiveness of solar window film and its history.
When Was Solar Window Film Invented?
The year was 1966. The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (which changed its name to 3M in 2022) earned the original solar control window film patent. Initially, window film was dye-based. After prolonged sun exposure, these films would turn purple and have a bubbly texture due to the sun’s heat absorption rejecting the film. As a result, solar window film did not last long.
Solar Window Film’s Advancement Throughout the Years
Window film as we know it today first emerged in the automotive industry. However, over time, people started using window film in their homes. Window film was transparent initially, but the colored film quickly became popular, offering more privacy, sun color, and aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, the 1973 Oil Crisis, where the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) enforced an embargo resulting in a fuel shortage and high gas prices, caused window film to become popular as a solution to trap heat within a space. The energy crises of the 1970s resulted in home and business owners seeing the value and eco-friendliness of window film.
Then, in the 1990s, metallic window film emerged. Its benefit is that it didn’t alter the color of the window you applied it to, but it interfered with electronic devices and car radios. Additionally, it only blocked up to 50% of heat.
Therefore, today ceramic window films are the high-quality material of choice. The film we offer at American Solar Tinting blocks up to 80% of the heat. Solar window film has other benefits besides being environmentally friendly and making a home or business cooler.
The Benefits
- Cost savings: When you eliminate hot spots, it makes a home or business more energy-efficient, thus saving money. In short, energy bills lower when heating and cooling systems don’t work as hard to keep a space cool and warm.
- More Effective Than Blinds and Curtains: Blinds and curtains beautify a home. However, they can block out the sun. A misconception about solar window film is that it completely blocks the sun. However, it reduces UV ray damage and temperatures, but you still enjoy natural light coming into a home or building. Solar window film also reduces glare, leading to even more occupant comfort.
- Fade Protection: Residential and commercial furniture can be costly. Therefore, you want to protect furniture from direct sunlight, which window film achieves.
- Aesthetics and Seclusion: Window film has many designs, patterns, and privacy levels.
This content only briefly summarizes the effectiveness of window film. Contact American Solar Tinting today if you’d like to learn more information and whenever you’re ready to create a more energy-efficient home or business.
Contact American Solar Tinting Today for Solar Window Film
American Solar Tinting has the expertise and equipment to keep your home or business decorative and beautiful with window film. We have almost 60 years of experience serving our wonderful customers without the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. We offer a variety of solutions for you, whether you need residential window or glass tinting, logo graphics, or security films. For more information on how we can help you and your business, contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-969-0100. For more tips and tricks for your home and business, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Tags: Energy Efficiency, residential window film, solar film
