by Brianna Crandall — March 26, 2014—With climatologists predicting a hotter than normal summer, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has released survey results on public awareness of the effectiveness of professionally installed window film, and is filling a need in the market as both a consumer resource and a window film advocate by helping to establish National Window Film Day on April 30.
IWFA just released new data from a national survey conducted online by Harris Poll in late February 2014 among 3,034 U.S. adults ages 18+ that reveals the cooling benefits of window film are only familiar to 54 percent of Americans. According to IWFA, window film can make a tremendous impact by regulating interior temperatures and cutting heat transmission through windows in hot, sunny weather, and may reduce cooling costs by 30 percent.
The efficiencies of solar control window films are closely related to local weather conditions, building orientation, window size, and other factors such as exterior shading conditions. However, with escalating energy costs, products such as window film, generally installed on existing buildings, are increasingly valuable as an investment for commercial and residential owners and commercial facilities managers, asserts IWFA.
On the residential side, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that cooling and heating accounts for more than half of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most consumers. And roughly 40 percent of unwanted heat that builds up in a home comes in through windows, states the Department.
For owners or managers of commercial buildings or multiunit residential facilities, IWFA asserts that the benefits and cost savings that window film offers are multiplied greatly. The organization’s Web site helps interested potential users to locate trained window film experts in their area and receive an energy analysis.
Window film has been proven as one of the most cost-effective means of reducing solar heat gain, and it provides more natural lighting, to avoid closing shades and turning on electric lighting, notes IWFA. However, 53 percent of Americans are unaware that window film still allows natural light to enter, while offering energy savings, interior comfort and safety. Window film has a wide spectrum of shades, from barely noticeable to smoky greys that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of windows or increase privacy if desired, adds the organization.
Another benefit of window film a majority of Americans are unaware of is its safety properties, says IWFA. Only 27 percent know window film can help hold shattered glass together to reduce the chance of injury due to sharp shards of glass.
Additionally, 54 percent of Americans are unaware that window film can reduce harsh glare from the sun throughout the interior of a home or building, and only 43 percent know that it can reduce the penetration of ultraviolet (UV) rays through windows by 99 percent. This benefit can reduce the fading of furnishings, artwork and other décor as well as protect the skin and eyes of those inside.
As part of National Window Film Day, the IWFA is offering free booklets on the energy savings and health benefits of window film. In addition, there will be informational videos and articles to better inform the public about window film.
