Window Film For The Win: Reduce Cooling Costs Fast
If you've got some lovely, large windows in your home that let you look out on your yard, you've also discovered that those large windows can let in a lot of heat. Rather than keep the blinds constantly closed and turning up the air conditioner, take a look at window films. These provide instant barriers between you and the extra heat that can seep in through windows. While there are other steps you can take to keep your house cool, these films provide one of the faster and more affordable ways to make your home and windows more energy efficient.
Thin Film Can Lead to Large Benefits
Window films are thin, so they don't look like they provide a lot of insulation -- and they don't, technically speaking. You're just adding a layer of plastic. But this plastic deflects sunlight, keeping it off the window glass. Because not as much light, and thus heat, is getting to the molecules in the glass, less heat is making its way through the glass and into your home. That means lower cooling costs.
If you get a tinted version, you'll also have more privacy because people won't be able to see in as easily when you have your curtains open. That means you can get more natural light and use less interior lighting than you'd have to if your curtains or blinds were completely closed. So in addition to lower cooling bills, you'd have lower electricity bills in general.
Other Strategies Just Aren't as Quick
Of course, you could just run your air conditioner more, but that could get expensive if you do it day after day, month after month, and year after year. Another option might be to add awnings above the outsides of your windows, which would block hotter afternoon sunlight from coming in. However, awnings would change the look of your house drastically, whereas window film would not be very evident visually, unless you chose a patterned or darkly tinted version.
Another strategy for reducing cooling costs is to have fast-growing trees planted on the south and west sides of your home. That can be an excellent strategy over time and with the right planning -- but it does take planning. In addition to having time for the trees to grow, you have to be sure they don't block a neighbor's view, for example, and that they won't damage nearby pipes or structures with their roots.
That leaves window film as the winner, with its fast application and easy removal. If you have questions about how to use window film or care for it, contact companies that manufacture different types of film. They'll help you choose the best combination of heat- and light-blocking features for your home.
For more information, contact Quality Custom Window Tinting or a similar company.