If your windows are not energy efficient, you are probably already aware of the issues with excessive heat gain in the summer and excessive heat loss in the winter. Fortunately, energy-efficient window technology can improve heating and cooling system performance while reducing energy waste, resulting in substantial cost savings.
What Are the Different Types of Energy-Efficient Window Solutions?
1. Spectrally Selective
It absorbs specific wavelengths of light more than others. This makes it particularly suited for windows that allow light in but block out other wavelengths, such as blue or green light.
When people want the advantages of a low-E coating with a higher VT, spectrally selective coatings are advantageous. These coatings block harmful solar heat and infrared and ultraviolet rays.
2. Low-E
A low-E coating is a metal layer applied to one or more glass panes and is extremely thin, almost invisible. Although the manufacturer typically installs it, low-E films for the aftermarket are also offered.
The percentage of solar radiation that passes through a window is measured by SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). A higher SHGC means that the window transmits more heat into the house, keeping it warmer. On the other hand, a lower SHGC indicates that the window admits less heat, keeping the house cooler.
Low, moderate, and high levels of solar gain are available for low-E coatings. When deciding on the ideal level of solar gain, consider your climate, your home’s orientation, and the placement of your windows.
3. Reflective Coating
This metallic coating reflects sunlight, as its name implies, lowering the SHGC and VT of the window while lowering glare. The finishes available are silver, gold, and bronze. In warmer climates, this coating is used more frequently.
Due to its low VT value, additional indoor lighting may be required. As a result, this coating should be applied throughout the house selectively to save energy. Consider how a reflective coating can produce the appearance of a mirror.
4. Tinting
SHGC, VT, and glare are all reduced by tinting, but U-factor is not unless it is combined with a low-E coating. Grey and bronze are the most popular tint colours because they lessen heat and light transmission.
Green and blue tints are less effective at reflecting heat while allowing more visible light to pass through. The tint you select can be as light or dark as you like. Darker tints provide excellent heat resistance and glare reduction, while more delicate tints allow more visible light.
How Much Can Utility Costs Be Reduced With Energy-Efficient Window Film?
Installing energy-efficient window film can reduce your monthly utility costs, but how much depends on the kind of film you use, where in the world your building is located, and how energy-efficient the rest of your property is.
Due to the money it saves on energy costs, energy-efficient window film is almost always an investment that pays for itself within one to three years.
Window film can quickly make your building carbon neutral when combined with other energy-saving measures like HVAC optimisations and other building envelope improvements.
Conclusion
Installing energy-efficient window film over your current glass will undoubtedly be advantageous if the windows in your building are not already energy-efficient. To not risk lowering your windows’ performance or even breaking the glass, you should always seek the advice of and hire a window film installer to perform the installation.
If you need energy-efficient window film in Melbourne to save utility costs, NuVision Solutions is here for you! We only use products from reputable manufacturers, which we have the utmost confidence in. All products are backed by the strongest of warranties.
