For the first time in 20 years residence at my Southern New England home, my family climbed into a rescue boat to escape rising floodwaters. “Scientists predict that we may be headed for a Boston climate much like that of Charlotte, North Carolina or Atlanta, Georgia.”* . Unusual weather patterns, rising temperatures and growing concerns about energy consumption have increased demand for energy conservation products including insulating window films that significantly reduce heat gain, heat loss and energy consumption.
Before investing in new HVAC systems, reducing overall energy consumption could improve your bottom line in more ways than one. Professional installations of high performance, insulating window films can make it possible to buy smaller, less expensive systems. Along with lowering utilities expense, the reduced load is likely to extend the life of existing systems.
American Window Film, Inc., a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer, can provide a comprehensive energy analysis report utilizing sophisticated software (EFilm) that includes return-on-investment projections. EFilm, an energy simulation/analysis program supported by the DOE, can model different building shapes, skylights, HVAC systems and weather attributes. The DOE recommends use of Energy Plus algorithm based programs such as EFilm that allow input of more variable data to accurately predict energy usage and savings before and after window film installation.
Many 3M™ Window Films meet LEED Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisites and qualify for LEED credits. Qualifying categories include “Indoor Environmental Quality”, “Daylight and Views” and “Optimize Energy Performance”. In addition, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has certified a range of 3M™ Window Films — affirmation that 3M’s films meet rigid energy performance factors.
3M, an ISO9002 certified facility and leader in the industry, has manufactured a series of Low-E window films featuring Wavelength-Selective metals which block more of the solar spectrum than conventional metals. Many Low-E films can reduce air conditioning costs by blocking up to 73 percent of the sun’s heat. They also reduce heat loss by up to 30 percent. Patented construction enables their metal coating to reflect more interior room heat back into the room. Personal comfort is improved and reduction in drafts and fluctuations in temperature can generate considerable savings on fuel expense.
Many 3M™ Window Film installations pay for themselves within three years, conservatively. With energy costs high, return-on-investment arrives more rapidly. A large 3M Window Film project consisting of 11,000 windows completed in April 2009, was tracked for its KWH savings. It saves 155,000 KWH per month and payback period for the project was less than eight months.
3M™ Window Films can enhance the performance of buildings equipped with Low-E windows. A Low-E window can block up to 90 percent of UV radiation. After an installation of 3M™ Window Film, the same window will block more than 99 percent of the UV radiation that contributes to a building’s heat gain and loss. Particular 3M™Window Films will improve the safety of Low-E windows that do not typically protect against flying glass unless they are tempered. Additionally, they can reduce glare substantially on Low-E glass — by up to 80 percent.
Responding to demand for a high clarity, non-metallic window film, 3M offers spectrally selective Prestige Series window films that reject up to 97% of the sun’s infrared heat — reducing air-conditioning costs while preserving a building’s overall appearance. The Prestige Series of films reject infrared without using metals. Metals can corrode over time and can interfere with cell phone signals and Wi/Fi transmissions. 3M’s Prestige Series window films offer high optical clarity, low reflectivity and incomparable performance as they reflect and absorb 99.9% of the UV light that fades fine furnishings.
As the New England adage goes… “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.” As a native of New England, who has experienced rising floodwaters, I’m more inclined to say, “If you don’t like the weather, don’t wait another minute.” It’s high time to initiate energy conservation measures that work. A professional installation of a high performance insulating window film is an economical measure that provides a rapid return-on-investment and immediate results.
Peter J. Davey is president of American Window Film, Inc.