Homeowners are always looking for practical ways to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings as energy costs rise. Using thermal reflective film on windows is one well-liked remedy that is becoming more and more popular. This cutting-edge device claims to improve living area comfort and possibly reduce energy costs.
The way thermal reflective film operates is by reflecting a large amount of solar heat away from your windows. This can lessen the load on your air conditioning system and keep your house cooler in the summer. The film can also aid in heat retention during the winter, which will help you maintain a more constant temperature inside your house.
Nevertheless, thermal reflective film has advantages and disadvantages of its own, just like any other home improvement product. In order to decide if it’s the best option for your house, it’s critical to comprehend these factors. We’ll examine the advantages and disadvantages of thermal reflective film in this post to assist you in assessing how it might affect the comfort and energy efficiency of your house.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Helps in reflecting heat during summer, reducing cooling costs. | 1. May require professional installation for best results. |
| 2. Improves insulation, reducing heat loss in winter. | 2. Initial cost of installation can be high. |
| 3. Enhances privacy by reducing visibility from outside. | 3. Effectiveness may vary depending on window size and orientation. |
- What is film made of and how does it work??
- When is the use of film justified??
- Negative aspects of using film that you need to know about
- Installation rules
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What is film made of and how does it work??
The polymer polyethylene terephthalate serves as the basis for the manufacture of heat-saving film for windows (PET). Its thickness, which influences the product’s performance parameters, ranges from 80 to 200 microns. Because of its great elasticity, the film can make window glass stronger. That is to say, in the event of a random blow, window glass will not break off and scatter fragments in all directions; instead, it will stay securely "talled" to the film. However, when utilizing a heat-saving film, this feature is not the most important one.
The thinnest layer of gold, silver or chromium-nickel alloy by the method of plasma evaporation and subsequent precipitation of metals vapors in an argon environment is applied to it. The production of the film is based on the physical properties of metals data that allows you to filter solar radiation. The film does not pass infrared and ultraviolet waves, but perfectly draws visible light. Therefore, the room remains light. The fact is that infrared rays are responsible for heat transfer. The film refracts them and returns back to the room, keeping the heat accumulated in the room. At the same time, the UV parts of the solar spectrum do not penetrate into the room.
For details. Sunlight’s ionizing ultraviolet radiation is essential to human health since it helps the body produce vitamin D. UV rays aid in plant photosynthesis and rid the air in the space of dangerous microorganisms.
The installation technique and degree of thermal conductivity of energy-saving film directly affect its cost. In essence, the film is made in rolls and is available in various sizes. It is convenient to use a three-meter one for a typical apartment window in order to avoid making a mistake. You can cut off excess.
When is the use of film justified??
The manufacturers of window thermal-insulating films advise applying them by adhesive to windows, homes, and apartments during the autumn-winter season, which spans from October to March. It makes sense to shield windows from heat leaks during this time. The UV portion of the solar spectrum is not significantly reflected because the sun’s rays that tend to enter the room don’t produce much heat. The film does not tint the windows; it is entirely transparent. The heat is retained in the room because windows reflect infrared (warm) radiation from heating appliances back into the space.
The technique used to adhere the film to the glass determines how effective it is.
There are the following types of films:
- Heat shrink. Have the ability to stretch when heated with a warm air stream. Since the film is glued to double-sided tape, it acts as an additional glass, enhancing the thermal insulation properties of the glass unit.
- Film that is glued to the glass using a soap mixture.
- Self-adhesive film.
Citation. There are many colors of energy-saving film to choose from, including bronze, gold, blue, and silver. As a result, matching it to the room’s interior is simple.
Negative aspects of using film that you need to know about
Indoor plants, whose growth is directly dependent on the Sun, start to suffer because the film reflects UV rays almost entirely. In order to keep the plants from dying, photo lamps must be installed as additional lighting. That is, a solution to this issue exists. But where’s the energy savings, exactly? In order to maintain regular plant growth and make up for lost sunlight, the photo lamp needs to be on for a minimum of 12 hours every day. Not even the most affordable lamps can help you.
When the film is used in the spring and fall, when the heating is already off, what happens to the heat energy? The flat will become damp and cold because the film prevents heat from the street’s natural solar radiation from entering.
A lesser-known characteristic of film is its ability to reflect radio waves. That is, the film’s coating will reflect radio signals directed towards a mobile phone or indoor antenna. Conversely, the mobile phone’s signal will be reflected back into the space. In conclusion, there will be very poor cellular communication in buildings where the film is pasted.
Because plants require full spectrum sunlight, you should not use film in greenhouses.
If the apartment has high-end, double-glazed, modern windows, there’s no use in applying film. On the other hand, it will be very helpful when restoring old windows. It is also necessary to consider the fact that the film needs to be updated every year.
A word of advice: Since the quality certificate cannot be seen, it is best to ask about it when buying film.
Installation rules
Proper adhesion of the film to the windows depends on its level of glue application. You don’t need any particular expertise to do this.
How-to for the standard film-gluing technique:
- windows must be thoroughly washed, degreased if necessary and wait until they dry;
- dilute the soap solution (you can use colorless shampoo or dishwashing liquid);
- cut the film to the size of the window;
- Using a household spray bottle, apply a soap solution to the entire surface of the glass;
- carefully apply the film to the glass;
- straighten the film with a rubber roller, gradually removing excess soap solution and large air bubbles.
Wrinkles and tiny bubbles will go away as the soap solution dries.
Shrink film is adhered to one another:
- prepare the glass (wash, dry);
- cut the film to a size 2 cm larger than the area of the glass;
- double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the window glass;
- begin gluing from above, smoothing out folds and wrinkles;
- then blow hot air onto the surface of the pasted film using a hairdryer.
Shrink film serves as a second or third glass, so it’s frequently used on balconies or loggias.
The key to applying self-adhesive film is to take your time. Using a soft cloth, gradually remove the protective layer and smooth the film from top to bottom. An helper is also necessary in this situation to tighten the protective layer.
Suggestions. The window glass should ideally be room temperature. This will make the installation process much easier and better.
In order to increase energy efficiency, homeowners should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of installing thermal reflective window films. Their capacity to minimize heat gain in the summer and reduce heat loss in the winter can result in reduced energy bills all year long, which is one of their main advantages.
Compared to other window upgrades, these films are comparatively simple to install, which makes them a viable option for do-it-yourselfers. However, variables like window size, orientation, and regional climate can affect how effective they are.
The drawback is that some users claim that these films may marginally lessen clarity or visibility when compared to windows that aren’t treated, which may worry people who value clear views.
In conclusion, although thermal reflective films provide an affordable means of improving energy efficiency and window insulation, prospective users should balance these advantages against any possible small disadvantages, such as decreased visibility. Speaking with an expert installer can provide you more information specific to your home and climate.
By limiting heat transfer, thermal reflective window film provides a workable way to improve energy efficiency by keeping interior spaces warmer in the winter and colder in the summer. Its advantages include reduced energy costs, enhanced comfort, and UV protection, which can stop flooring and furniture from fading. It may not be appropriate for all window types, diminish natural light, and possibly have an aesthetic impact on windows. Inadequate installation can also result in peeling and bubbles. Homeowners can determine if thermal reflective film is the best option for their needs by weighing these benefits and drawbacks.
