To many window film and energy efficiency mean very little, that is until they see the energy cost savings associated with using window film technology in a home or business.
Window film is not commonly placed in the forefront of energy efficient products mainly due to the lack of consumer awareness about the window film industry.
A recent study prepared by the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and conducted by ConSol has the facts to put energy savings window film in the market spotlight.
The study compared window film to many other energy savings products such as, updating HVAC technologies, adding insulation, and air sealing and caulking. The study was conducted in California and uses the same data modeling the The California Energy Commission uses in determining energy savings performance. The study’s main goal is awareness but also inclusion of window film in future building codes, upcoming “green codes”, programs and incentives in the state of California.
The study showed that while new office buildings and new homes don’t benefit dramatically from the window film’s energy saving properties, only a ROI (return on investment) 1-3% annually, the effects on existing homes and business is substantial.
The studied included various climates in California but in the San Francisco Bay Area it showed that existing office buildings could see annual savings of 6-37%, depending on which window film product was used. Typically even in the milder climate zones along the California coast energy savings window film for office buildings would payback in 2 years. For warmer climates such as Fresno, the energy savings was even more, up to 68%.
The study also showed that for existing homes especially with single pane glass, there is little one could do to improve energy efficiency more cost effectively than with residential window film. (see chart below)
What’s most interesting about the study is the incredibly savings for existing homes and buildings is solely focused on just energy savings. The study does not even take into account the savings provided by the window films ability to reduce fading and sun damaged caused to the interior of a home or business by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Depending on the home or business the savings could be in the thousands of dollars, by protecting the buildings interiors.
For more information about window film for your home or business contact us here.
