Window Tinting FAQs
Films with high Luminous Efficacies, also known as Spectrally Selective Films, can be the best option for many applications. However, the solar heat rejection of Spectrally Selective Film is typically less than high-performance films, so they don’t reduce air-conditioning costs as much. In addition, films higher in light transmission offer less of glare reduction.
Many utility companies offer specific rebates for window film installation, both for residential and commercial applications. Often window film is specifically listed as one of the rebate-eligible products. Other times window film qualifies under the “Custom Measures” option (commercial applications only). For Florida’s tax credits, incentives, and rebates, click here. For details in another state, by utility company, click here.
According to U.S. Department of Energy statistics, solar heat gain through windows is responsible for a whopping ⅓ of a building’s cooling costs. Energy-saving window film can reduce solar heat gain by 75% or more, significantly reducing the run time of air-conditioning systems or allowing them to operate at lower load conditions. The benefits for this are numerous: reducing commercial cooling costs up to 30%, lower maintenance costs for HVAC equipment, increase the life of air-conditioning and heating systems, and allowing for the use of smaller, less expensive equipment.
Window films can assist with up to 9 LEED Certification points (out of the 32 required for Silver LEED Certification). For more information about LEED Certification, see www.usgbc.org/leed. The energy savings provided by Southern Glass Protection and Vista™ Window Films can also assist buildings with their Energy Star Labeling requirements.