Everyone has sat next to a window in an office or other environment in which the sun’s rays penetrate the glass causing an uncomfortable heat that can’t be controlled unless you move elsewhere.

 

Not only do penetrating sun rays make for an uncomfortable work environment, the heat causes havoc with a building’s HVAC system, causing utility bills to spike. Also, since the HVAC system is out of whack, while it might be hot on one side of the office, it can be unusually cold on the other side, making it uncomfortable for people working there. Now, you can install blinds or shades to help alleviate the sun problem but that means the view out the window has been eliminated. So the only way to fix the problem without taking away the view is to install heat-reducing window films. These films are coated with materials that reflect away the sun’s heat. They also reduce the brightness of the sun and virtually eliminate ultraviolet light. But the view outside remains.

 

There are two types of heat reducing window films: interior and exterior.   Exterior films, which are not common, are effective on sloped or unusually shaped glass and on atriums.    Interior films are more widely used to correct sun control issues. They are clear and don’t impact outside viewing.  They produce immediate relief to building occupants sitting near exposed glass, as solar heat gain is no longer an issue.

 

And, just as important, heat reducing window films allow the building’s HVAC system to work normally, reducing utility bills. Over time, the cost savings from these reduced utility bills pay for the installation costs of the film, making it a wise investment.