Reduce Heat Loss through Windows

 

Mark Twain said, “There is a sumptuous variety about the New England weather that compels the stranger’s admiration– and regret.” For those of us who live and work in New England, the weather is only regrettable if we’re not pre­pared. In cold months, we prepare ourselves by dressing with layers of clothing. We can also dress our buildings…with multi-layered polyester window films.

Although we can’t control the weather, we can reduce the amount ofheat escaping through your win­dows. We can reduce nuisance temperature imbalances – all too common a cause for complaints from tenants – through the instal­lation of quality insulating win­dow film. While we’re at it, we can reduce the sun’s glare that has pre­cipitated closed drapes and blinds, compromising the view that drew tenants to your building in the first place.
Since the 80’s energy crisis, win­dow film technology has improved dramatically. 3M Company now manufactures a family of window
films designed for energy conser­vation. 3MTM ScotchtintTM Plus All Season Films work much the same way as their sun control films except that they offer increased performance against cold weather heat loss in addition to their solar performance (heat gain reduction) during warmer months. Featuring Wavelength-Selective metals which block more ofthe solar spec­trum than conventional metals, these Low-E (emissivity) window films can reduce heat loss by up to 23% to 30% and can reduce air conditioning costs by blocking 55% to 73% of the sun’s heat. The patented construction ofthese films enable the metal coating to reflect more ofthe interior room heat back into the room. Personal comfort is improved and the reduction in drafts and fluctuations in tempera­ture can generate considerable sav­ings on fuel expense. Applied to the inside of windows, a quick, professional installation of window film creates little disruption to the flow of business. It’s inex­pensive compared to window re­placement, and it can pay for itself with the energy cost savings it provides.
As a 3M authorized dealer, we have access to sophisticated soft­ware that projects energy cost sav­ings. Using monitoring equipment, we can accurately record differ­ences in temperature inside of filmed and unfilmed adjacent win­dows, and, for our large commer­cial customers, we often provide a comprehensive energy analysis that includes Return-On-Invest­ment projections. Depending upon the type of window—clear, tinted, insulated, single or double pane—and the desired effects—energy conservation, security, UV pro­tection or aesthetics—there is an appropriate window film for each application.
Go with experience and follow the money. There is a myriad of window films on the market. With technical data available for each film for every circumstance, choice becomes a challenge. An experi­enced window film dealer and manufacturer with the financial strength to invest heavily and con­sistently in research and develop­ment will be your best asset when selecting a window film appropri­ate for your needs.
A $20 billion diversified technology company and an IS09002 certified facility, 3M has effec­tively responded to market de­mands through the introduction of solar control films, ultraviolet light control films, low reflectivity, high optical clarity and shatter-resis­tant window films. Their films vary in color, density and heat rejec­tion/retention qualities. They of­fer up to 99% UV protection and unlike other manufacturers, their UV inhibitors are included directly in their adhesives, ensuring life­long clarity and long-lasting pro­tection from fading of fabrics and furnishings. A manufacturer that produces their own raw materials such as adhesives, polyesters, met­als and scratch-resistant coatings, 3M has positioned itself as an in­dustry leader and their patented micro-layered construction has proven itself in the field.
Mark Twain also said, “If you don’t like the weather in New En­gland, just wait a few minutes.” But be prepared! An installation of a quality window film by an experienced installer will reduce the flow of energy out of your building’s windows and save dra­matically on heating and cooling expense.