Will window film keep cold out?

Window film has traditionally been associated with reducing solar heat gain, glare, and UV radiation during the summer. However, many window films can also significantly contribute to insulating your building during colder months, helping to keep the cold out and reduce energy consumption. Specifically, Low-E (low emissivity) window films are a technological advancement designed to address both heat gain and heat loss, making them a year-round solution for energy efficiency.

What Is Low-E Window Film?

Low-E window film is designed to reduce the emissivity of glass, meaning it limits the amount of heat that escapes through your windows. Glass, by nature, is a poor insulator. In winter, warm indoor air easily escapes through windows, leading to heat loss and increased heating costs. Low-E window film creates a barrier that helps trap the heat inside, reducing this unwanted energy loss.

How Does Low-E Technology Work?

Low-E films are coated with microscopically thin layers of metal or metallic oxides, such as silver, which are engineered to reflect heat back into the room. This technology works by controlling the transfer of infrared radiation through the glass.

• In winter, Low-E films reflect interior heat back into the building, reducing the reliance on heating systems and keeping spaces warmer.
• In summer, these films block a portion of the incoming solar heat, helping to maintain a cooler indoor temperature without overburdening air conditioning systems.

This dual functionality ensures that Low-E films help maintain a stable indoor temperature year-round, making them a highly effective solution for both residential and commercial properties.

Benefits of Low-E Window Films

1. Reduces Heat Loss in Winter. Low-E films can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 30%. This is especially important for large buildings where a significant amount of heat escapes through glazed surfaces. By retaining warmth, these films can help lower energy bills and reduce the load on heating systems.
2. Improves Energy Efficiency. Buildings with Low-E window films can achieve energy cost savings of over 10%. This reduction is due to less reliance on heating and cooling systems. Additionally, the payback period for these films is typically between 3-5 years, making it a cost-effective investment for both homes and businesses.
3. Provides Year-Round Comfort. Unlike standard solar films that are mainly beneficial during the summer, Low-E films provide comfort throughout the year. During summer months, they reduce solar heat gain, helping to keep indoor environments cooler. In the winter, they prevent valuable heat from escaping, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
4. Glare Reduction and UV Protection. While Low-E films focus on thermal performance, they also offer other benefits such as glare reduction, making it easier to work or relax in spaces with large windows. Additionally, these films block 99% of harmful UV rays, which helps prevent fading of interior furnishings and reduces the risk of skin damage from prolonged UV exposure.
5. Aesthetic Flexibility. Low-E films come in a variety of finishes, from highly reflective, which adds privacy and a modern aesthetic, to virtually invisible, allowing the building’s appearance to remain unchanged. This flexibility makes Low-E films suitable for various applications, from commercial skyscrapers to residential properties.

Solving the Problem of Heat Loss and Solar Gain

One of the challenges in modern buildings is managing both solar heat gain and heat loss. While one side of a building may suffer from overheating due to intense sunlight, the opposite side may experience significant heat loss. This imbalance leads to inefficient energy use, where heating and cooling systems work harder to maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Tintfit’s range of Low-E coated insulation films provides an effective solution to this problem. These films act as both thermal and solar control devices, reducing the need for heavy heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. In large commercial buildings, the cost savings can be substantial, making it a critical investment for facilities managers looking to improve energy efficiency.

Installation and Durability

Low-E window films are durable and designed to last. They come with a reflective finish that can vary in opacity, from dark films that offer enhanced privacy to nearly invisible options that preserve the view through your windows. These films are scratch-resistant, non-fading, and designed for easy maintenance.

When professionally installed, Low-E films have a long lifespan and require minimal upkeep. They adhere to glass surfaces through a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which ensures a seamless, bubble-free finish. Once installed, the films can remain effective for many years, offering ongoing protection and energy savings.

Key Advantages of Low-E Window Films

• Heat Loss Reduction: Up to 30% reduction in heat loss through windows during winter.
• Energy Savings: Can help lower energy consumption by over 10%, with a typical payback period of 3-5 years.
• Glare Reduction: Improves comfort by reducing glare, making spaces more usable.
• UV Protection: Blocks 99% of harmful UV rays, preventing furniture fading and potential skin damage.
• Durability: Scratch-resistant and non-fading, these films come with warranties of up to 10 years.

Buy Low-E Window Films at the Best Prices in the UK

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of your property, Tintfit Window Films offers a wide range of Low-E window films. Our products are available at the best prices in the UK, with options to suit both residential and commercial applications. Visit our online store today to find the perfect window film solution for your needs.