If you’ve done any bit of research online about how to retain heat inside your home, you’ve no doubt come across ‘insulating window film.’ Insulating window film is an alternative solution to replacing your windows, and is often a more effective (and less expensive) solution to keeping your home warm. But just what is ‘insulating window film’ anyway, and how does it work? Read on to discover what this unique heating solution is, and to find out if it’s a viable option for your home heating needs.
Insulating Window Film: What Is It?
Window insulation film is a plastic layer that is placed on your windows to absorb or retain heat, making them a cheap, effective, and efficient solution to keeping your home warm (and using your heating system less), in the cooler months. Insulating window film can be either installed professionally (recommended) or done yourself using double-sided tape and a heat dryer or heat gun. The film itself, provides a tight seal around both the door and window frames, shielding the home from any leaks and providing an enclosed air space between the house and the window glass. Moreover, based on its type (discussed below), it can either be used to absorb outside heat or retain heat that’s already in your home. All things considered, Insulating film is a low-cost way to reduce drafts and improve the efficiency of your heating system, while saving you money.
The Two Types of Insulating Window Film
There are two types of insulating film-radiant film, which is designed to absorb outside heat, and convection film, which is designed to retain heat. Radiant film, also known as “solar control film,” sticks to your windows and absorbs the UV component of outside light, while reflecting infrared light. This absorbed heat then radiates heat into your home, effectively creating a micro greenhouse effect. Convection film usually comes as oversized clear plastic film that fit over your windows on the interior side. A film is attached to the window frame and designed to trap a pocket of air between the glass and the film, creating a double-glazed system with an insulating gap of still air. Because thermal conductivity of still air is lower than glass, convection film makes it harder for heat to dissipate outside your home. This essentially blankets your home in a heat-protective membrane that traps heat in, keeping your home warmer, longer.
Does Insulating Window Film Work?
People often doubt that home improvement solutions like this work, but insulating window film is a tried-and-true method that experts agree is a good solution. Insulation film is proven to prevent drafts and improve insulation, while letting in plenty of sunlight for added warmth. When you have a problem retaining heat in your home, the most effective solution is to replace your windows, But it is very costly and requires professional work. Furthermore, window replacement only works if you purchase windows with a low R-value, which is a measurement of a window's ability to insulate. These windows are double-paned, which means that they function the same as insulating film, and can be particularly expensive. Why go through the added expense?. For the vast majority of people, insulated window film is a great solution to keeping their home warmer and saving money on energy bills to boot. What’s even better is that window film takes only hours to install, as opposed to the days or weeks it takes to install new windows.
Do You Have Damaged Windows?
Window film can be an excellent stopgap while you wait for better weather to replace damaged windows. Whether you need a cheap but relatively permanent solution or you just want an affordable but temporary fix while you wait or save for a window replacement, insulating window film might be the best answer for you. Window film can retain heat while saving you money on your energy bills, making them a great short-term fix, especially in mid-winter, when you likely want to wait for warmer weather to have your windows replaced.
Get Insulated Window Film Today
Ready to install some insulating window film on your home? Contact Atlantic Sun Control today. Our insulating film experts will help you determine what window film solution you need from our expansive inventory, and even install the film on your windows for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and address your insulation problems before the winter weather sets in!