Eco-friendly is more than a popular buzzword, it’s a smart business plan. With this in mind, there are a number of steps we each can take to save both the environment and our bank accounts by implementing solutions to reduce our energy consumption. One step we can take is to have solar control films installed in the windows of our houses, offices, and other buildings. The use of solar films has quite a few advantages, one of them being a reduction in your energy costs. They may at first glance seem like an unnecessary expense, but in the long run, solar films help you save money. Let’s look at how using  solar control films minimizes your energy costs:

Less Use of Centralized Air Conditioning

Implementation of solar control films helps reduce your dependency on air conditioning by lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home or business. A few degrees can make a massive difference in your environment after all, and solar control film can decrease interior temperatures by as much as 9°. This results in a much more pleasant office before even touching your AC controls. Through the reduction in overall costs, solar control films also result in an increase in the profit margins of your business.

Decreasing your AC usage isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s important for your health. Prolonged periods of time spent in air-conditioned spaces have been linked to several unpleasant side effects. This is worsened by the fact that many buildings do not replace filters or otherwise maintain their AC units as frequently as recommended. For those who already suffer from respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, AC can exasperate these problems. But even if you don’t have any respiratory difficulties, increased air conditioning use has been linked to dehydration, headaches, and fatigue.

Solar Film Reduces Heat Loss

During the winter, solar control films reduce the amount of heat loss that occurs through your windows. To address this issue, we offer a specialty option: Thinsulate™ window film. Once this film is installed, the size and number of windows on your building are no longer an issue to be concerned about during colder months.

Thinsulate™ film provides virtually invisible insulation for your building, comparable to upgrading your windows from single pane to double pane – or double pane to the windowpane. The glass film considerably reduces the energy lost through your windows. As a result, it keeps the warmth in during winter and retaining air-conditioned cooling during the summer. And with less energy lost, your HVAC load is lessened year-round for overall savings.

Cut operating costs

Typically, energy costs make up a significant part of your company’s operating costs. Most of the cost is incurred by the building’s high cooling load due to the heat gain through windows. On average, almost 30% of a home’s heat is lost through its windows, making them an ominously expensive part of your building. The addition of solar control films is a high-performance energy-saving measure for both commercial and residential windows. Applying these films reduces the energy required during the hot summer months and cool winters. In short, solar control films are the best choice for every season.

Installation and Maintenance of Solar Control Films

Many people believe that installing and maintaining solar control films can be expensive. But contrary to popular belief, it is a one-time cost and the benefits from the films far outweigh the price of installation. In fact, the long-term costs of purchasing and maintaining curtains, drapes, or even blinds are comparable to the costs of utilizing solar control films. Furthermore, installation is quick and non-disruptive. If you choose an exterior window film, installers don’t even need to enter your building.

Once solar control films have been installed in your office and home windows, you will immediately see the payoff in a reduction of your energy costs. It is a win-win solution, as you will be contributing positively to the environment by minimizing your energy costs while also benefiting financially.

Solar Control Film Minimizes Your Energy Costs

Solar control window film is a solution that’s not just good for the environment, it’s good for your finances. A one-time installation continues to save you money for years through reduced HVAC loads, lowered AC costs, and better insulation. All contributing to smaller energy bills year after year. If you’re interested in how solar control film can benefit your property, contact MetWest for a free energy and cost analysis for a detailed assessment.