Make Energy Efficient Home & Commercial Spaces A Resolution For 2023

webmasterDecember 29, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa Areas, Commercial Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

With the new year upon us, why not resolve to have a more comfortable and energy efficient home and commercial spaces in 2023? While windows open a space to natural lighting, warmth and views of the outside world, there are also downsides. These same windows also open up a space to high energy costs, heat build-up, excessive glare, and the premature fading of interior furnishings. Implementing a high quality home or commercial window film solution can improve the comfort and increase the energy efficiency of the existing windows with minimal disruption.

Some Benefits and Information About Home & Commercial Window Film

More Energy Efficient Spaces – According to the EPA’s Assessment Of Energy Technologies and Research Opportunities, “Virtually the entire commercial cooling load comes from energy entering through the windows (i.e., solar heat gain). The bulk of residential cooling results from window heat gains although infiltration also has a significant role. Future cooling may be a larger share of total demand since U.S. regions with high population growth are largely in warmer climates.” The positive news is that a solar control film retrofitted to existing glass can significantly reduce the energy entering through the window.
Improved Comfort by Reducing Heat and Glare – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, architectural window film can reduce glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer. Because these innovative window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.
Reduce Hot and Cold Spots Throughout the Space – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within spaces. This is done by using film strategically to reduce heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas like the south and west exposures. By reducing the heat in these areas specifically, you can create a more balanced temperature across the space which can reduce the load on cooling system.
Prevent Premature Fading of Furniture and Furnishings – Fading is caused by three primary factors; visible light or glare, heat and UV rays. The great thing about architectural window films are that they attack all three of these areas. Window film will help reduce heat and glare as discussed above. In addition, most window films will block 99% of the sun’s UV rays from passing through. The combination of window film reducing heat, visible light and UV helps extend the life of furnishings by protecting them from sun fading.

If you think that 2023 is the year to resolve to have more energy efficient home and commercial spaces, you can contact us by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Commercial Window Film Benefits – 4 Detailed in Buildings.com

webmasterDecember 16, 2022Commercial Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits Detailed on Buildings.com - Commercial Window Tinting in Iowa City, Iowa

With so many people re-imagining commercial spaces post-pandemic, we wanted to share this summary of an article that first appeared on Buildings.com about several commercial window film benefits. While the open feeling and natural lighting that windows and glass walls create can make a space feel very inviting, these same features can have drawbacks. These window film benefits can help you address the drawbacks and maximize the positive attributes of your windows.

4 Commercial Window Film Benefits

Less Glare and Lower Energy Bills – Window film can be applied to existing glass surfaces to reduce glare and help block heat from entering a space. Less heat means less work for the HVAC system which can result in lower energy bills.
Customized Films To Meet Performance and Design Requirements – Modern window films can literally give you the best of both worlds. It once was true that getting high performance out of a window film meant dealing with a more reflective glass surface from the outside during the day and from the inside at night. This was often not the desired look or accepted design. That is no longer the case. You can achieve high levels of performance with films that are barely detectable on the glass and do not increase reflectivity on the inside or outside.
Decorative, Privacy and Branding – Current decorative window films come in many designs and finishes. From traditional white frosted film to gradients and intricate designs, there is nearly something for every taste. These films can be retrofitted to nearly any glass surface to add a decorative element, increase privacy or to integrate a company logo or branding. You are nearly only limited by your own imagination.
Personal Safety and Facility Security – Window films retrofitted to existing glass can help reduce injury possibility in the event of broken glass as well as increase the intrusion resistance and facility security. As the article states; “Window film buyers sometimes believe that window film can make glass shatterproof, a longstanding myth in the market. The truth is that window film can’t prevent glass from breaking, but it can hold glass fragments together when the glass is broken.That usually means that the broken glass also stays in place in the window rather than scattering everywhere, keeping wind and rain out of your facility during a storm and making it harder for an intruder to get into your building through the broken window.“

We hope that you found this article informative about commercial window film benefits. If you would like more information on commercial window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions about these innovative films, please contact us by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Residential Window Tint – 5 Top Benefits to Consider

webmasterDecember 1, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Residential Window Tinting - 5 Top Benefits to Consider - Home Window Tinting in Iowa City, Iowa

Residential window tint can be a very cost-effective way to reduce energy, minimize glare, protect your furnishings and increase the security of your home. The best part is that this film can typically be done as a retrofit to your existing windows with very little disruption to your home.

5 Top Benefits of Residential Window Tint

CUT YOUR HOME COOLING COSTS UP TO 50% – According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home’s utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Home window tinting can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to your home’s existing windows, window films can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs.

REDUCE HEAT AND GLARE – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, home window tint reduces glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in the comfort of your home. Because home window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.

LESSEN THE EFFECTS OF HARMFUL UV RAYS – Most fabrics, furnishings and artwork can fade simply by allowing daylight to pass through an untreated window. Home window tinting will block up to 99.9% of all UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect your family and preserve the color of your furnishings, fabrics and carpets.

CORRECTS TEMPERATURE IMBALANCES – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within your home by using film that reduces heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas. This will create a more balanced temperature across the space and reduce the load on your air conditioning system.

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY – Glass can be a real hazard in the home when broken from accidents, storms, or break-ins. Safeguard your family and your property with home safety window films. This transparent but powerful barrier helps hold glass in place should an impact occur, help keep an intruder out and help defend you against the unexpected.

AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO REPLACEMENT WINDOWS – While damaged or deteriorating windows simply have to be replaced, home window tinting provides an affordable alternative to replacement when your goal is to improve energy efficiency. In fact, the cost for quick, professional installation is about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows!

We also found this excerpt from an article written by Jessica Brown that appeared in How Stuff Works that discussed the top benefits of having your home windows tinted:

“Curtains, furniture and even flooring can fall victim to the effects of the sun. One of the leading culprits in fading your valuables is ultraviolet light. To keep those home furnishings and decorations looking their best, a window film with a high percentage of ultraviolet light rejection would be a good choice. Many films can now block almost 99 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet light can not only fade your furniture, but too much of it can affect your health. Ultraviolet rays are the reason for sunburns and are also seen as one of the risk factors for cancer. According to the Report on Carcinogens released by the Department of Health and Human Services, ultraviolet radiation is a known human carcinogen [source: National Institutes of Health]. For working to prevent sun-induced skin damage, several types of window film have even been given the Skin Cancer Foundation‘s Seal of Recommendation [source: The Skin Cancer Foundation].

Some window films offer another benefit in the area of safety: shatter resistance. The film’s shatter resistance comes from its ability to hold glass shards together and act as a barrier between the interior of the home and the glass. Along with the safety benefits, window tinting can also help to reduce the glare on your television when viewing the big game. The percentage of glare reduction is usually related to the visible light transmittance. The lower the amount of light transmitted through the film, the greater the glare reduction inside the home.”

If you would like more information on the benefits of residential window tint, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Great Home Gift – 3 Reasons Window Film Is A Great Choice

webmasterNovember 17, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

At this time of the year when we begin thinking about the perfect gifts, we wanted to share an article on why window film might be a great home gift to consider.

3 Reasons Window Film Makes a Great Home Gift

Improved Comfort – There are a variety of things that can impact the comfort of your home. One is a consistent temperature throughout the home. To accomplish that, you need to be able to eliminate hot and cold spots. These zones often are located near specific windows in your home. Some window films can be utilized to block excessive heat in the summer and retain heat in the winter. In addition, window films can improve comfort by reducing excessive glare coming through windows at certain times of the day.

Preserve Furnishings – Another way that window film can be a great gift for your home is by helping to preserve your furniture, flooring and furnishings. Most window films block 99% or more of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Because UV rays account for 40% of the reasons furnishings fade, nearly any window film will help increase the longevity of the interior valuables.

Upgrade Privacy and Decor – There are a variety of decorative window films that can be used to increase privacy by making glass panels opaque or frosted where needed. This can be extremely beneficial for bathroom windows or front door sidelight glass. In addition, these decorative window films can also be customized to add decorative elements and designs to glass panels within your home.

These are just a couple ways that window films can make a great gift for your home. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

How Does Professional Window Film Upgrade Home Windows

webmasterNovember 11, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Have you ever considered a professional window film for your home? In this article, we wanted to explain the variety of ways that professionally installed home window film can upgrade the existing windows in your house. Unlike window film products of years ago, modern, innovative window films let in desirable light, block harmful UV rays, add insulation against outside climate extremes, and bring aesthetic upgrades to homes. It can be a solid return on investment when you work with professionals who know what they’re doing.

Despite this, there are still some unfortunate misconceptions carried over from more than two decades ago. We wanted to address these and explain a bit about how this new generation of window films work.

Does a window film alter the color of the light in your home?

The short answer? Nope!

For homeowners with a passion for interior design, there’s a misconception that a window film will alter the hue of the sunlight coming in from the window and affect the color palette in the room. While this may have been the case in the past with older technologies, the world of window films has changed a lot since its early days. The reality is that window films today can absorb heat and UV rays without using a dark or a metallic tint. While these films did reflect the sun and heat, they often did so while changing the look of a home and the nature of the light entering the home.

Newer technology in window films enable you to get heat rejection, glare reduction and UV protection while barely being noticeable on the glass. There are a variety of films to suit nearly any need, budget or desired appearance. To the original question, if you want great protection without a changing the color of the light, ask for color-neutral films.

Can window films reduce my energy costs?

If your home has a lot of windows that get sun throughout the day, air conditioning is likely needed to keep the rooms comfortable. Modern solar control window film act to stop the heat at the windows and reduce the amount of heat from the sun that enters your home. By reducing the amount of heat coming in, your air conditioning will not have to work as hard to keep the home at the desired temperature. The end result is less energy used and less wear and tear on your unit as it is not working as hard. Savings vary by particular house, number of windows, type of existing windows and the specific orientation of the home to the sun.

Does residential window film stop fading?

A common misconception is that UV rays are what cause faded floors and sun damage to furnishings. While they are certainly the largest component, as this chart illustrates, they only account for 40%. Solar heat and visible light are also major contributors, accounting for 25% of the problem. The last factor is comprised of a variety of this we simply put under the heading “Other”. These are things like interior lighting, humidity, etc.

The great thing about modern window films is that they work to typically block 99+% of the UV portion of the chart, but also work to reduce the contributing factors of visible light and heat. A properly specified window film cannot completely stop fading, but it can significantly reduce the primary causes of fading and dramatically extend the life of floors, furniture and furnishings in your home.

We hope this article opened your eyes to a couple ways modern, professional window film can help upgrade your home. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

New Construction Trends Facilitated By Commercial Window Films

webmasterOctober 27, 2022Commercial Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Construction Trends Facilitated By Commercial Window Films - Commercial Window Film in Iowa City, Iowa

As we head toward the new year, we have been looking into various noted construction trends and how commercial window films can be a part of those trends. After reading several articles, we have come up with three distinct trends that window films play a role in.

3 Ways Window Films Play a Role in Construction Trends

Increased Energy Efficiency – From an article in Construction Review Online entitled “7 Construction-Technology Trends to Watch in 2021” (updated in 2022), they note that energy saving is an ongoing trend. They specifically say, “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 20 percent of all U.S. energy use goes toward powering commercial buildings. Energy-saving building design and construction is a powerful way to help businesses save energy and cut costs while reducing their impact on the environment. Developing these buildings requires a whole-building design approach where the construction team designs and builds all the elements so that they work together. This innovative approach to building, along with corresponding energy-efficient materials and technologies, can produce buildings that are up to 70 percent more efficient than the average commercial building.” Window films can be retrofitted to nearly any commercial property to help reduce the heat coming through the glass and reduce the demand on the HVAC system. This can help the space be more comfortable and increase the energy efficiency.
Improved Spaces Without Work Disruptions – Because of the competitive nature of commercial real estate moving forward, the demand will be for improvements to the space without creating a work disruption. Window films retrofitted to your existing glass is a perfect fit here. It can be installed around work hours to have very little impact on work flow while making a significant improvement in the comfort of a space.
Spotlight on Sustainability – The online source Lets Build had an article entitled “5 Construction Trends You Want to Look Out For in 2021” discusses this. The article states “Moving towards a greener industry is another ambitious goal for 2021. In the fight against climate change, construction has to offer a lot by reducing waste and by supporting projects that can pave the way for more sustainable societies.” The very nature of window films being retrofitted to existing windows to achieve improvements instead of replacing them has a significant impact on reducing waste and the landfill impact of space improvements.

We hope that you are having a great 2022 and looking forward to 2023. This article was written to illuminate how commercial window films can play a role with current construction trends. If you would like more information on commercial window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions about these innovative films, please contact us by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Improve Home Comfort this Winter with Home Window Film

webmasterOctober 21, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

If You Need to Reduce Glare and Harsh Light, Home Window Film and Tint Can Help!

Most people think of window film or window tinting primarily as something that helps in the Summer. However, Winter is often the time when glare and harsh light become big issues. Is there a way to reduce glare, harsh light and improve home comfort while maintaining your views? The answer is yes, but first let’s look at why this problem may be worse in the Winter.

There are 3 reasons this is the case:

The sun is lower in the sky during these months which means that it is shining more directly into your windows versus from a more overhead position in the Summer months.
There are no leaves on the trees to block the sun. Many homes and commercial properties have foliage in the Summer that serves to offer some shade. In the Winter, with this gone, they have to deal with glare issue that are not present at other times of the year.
The refection of the sun off of the snow. When there is a layer of snow on the ground, it acts like a big mirror to reflect the sun’s rays. This can make any harsh light issue even worse at this time of the year as it is actually amplifying the light coming through the glass.

So, What Can Window Film Do?

The window film we offer is likely not like the picture in your head of a darkly tinted car. Technology has enabled current window films to block a great deal of glare as well as heat without restricting your view. In fact, like a high quality pair of sunglasses, the innovative technology found in window film today actually serves to enhance your views. The harsh light and glare is eliminated allowing your eyes to relax and your home or commercial space to become a more comfortable place to be.

We hope this article served to “shed some light” on how home window film can be used to reduce glare and improve home comfort in the Winter. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Energy Efficient Retrofit For Older Home Windows

webmasterOctober 12, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Summer is officially over and cooler temperatures are starting to arrive. With energy costs projected to be much higher in the future, now is the best time to begin considering home improvements to make your house more energy efficient. One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency is by making your window openings perform better. This is particularly true with older homes that often have single pane or older double pane construction. We came across a great article in Times Square Chronicles that discusses some ways to make your older windows more energy efficient.

While the article discusses several ways to improve the energy efficiency of your windows, they specifically mention the benefits of using home window films as well. The article states that:

“Window film is an energy efficient layer that can be added to windows, improving how you heat and cool your home. There are solar film options that block ultraviolet rays so it can not just help with heating and cooling issues, but also protect your rugs and furnishings against sun damage.”

Are you aware that window film products can be retrofitted to existing windows to reject heat in the Summer, which saves on cooling costs, and some films even are designed to retain heat in the Winter to help save on heating costs. Not only can this make your home more comfortable year round, but you may be able to maintain that comfort level without breaking the bank.

If you would like to check out the entire article in Time Square Chronicles, click HERE.

To learn more about the residential window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Improve Facility Operations With Commercial Window Films

webmasterSeptember 28, 2022Commercial Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

This past year has really changed the way that commercial spaces are being utilized. In light of these changes, it is imperative that building managers take steps to operate the facility more efficiently and make their space stand out from the crowd. FacilitiesNet had an article that discussed how commercial window films could improve facility operations, and we wanted to summarize the findings below.

3 Ways Commercial Window Films Improve Facility Operations

Reduces Energy Costs: When window film is installed, the stress on the HVAC system is greatly reduced. Film keeps the cool air inside during summer months and limits heat loss during the winter months. These benefits can ultimately result in lower utility bills for facility managers.
Improves Safety Measures: Windows and doors are any building’s main point of entry, even for those who are uninvited. Safety window films can help reduce property loss and damage in the event of a burglary attempt by making it far more difficult for criminals to penetrate the building through glass doors and windows. Also, in the unlikely and unfortunate event of a natural disaster or extreme weather event, safety and security window film will help minimize damage to property and occupants.
Increases Productivity for Occupants and Preserve Furnishings: Window film lets in natural daylight, but blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 82% of the sun’s heat. Sun beaming in through the windows can be harmful to the building’s occupants and damage the furnishings. Window film can solve these problems, making it easier for employees to get their jobs done comfortably while protecting their skin and the interior furnishings.

We hope that you found this information enlightening and useful. If you would like to see the source article at FacilitiesNet, click Here

If you are interested in learning more about commercial window film, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Energy Control Of Iowa today by calling (319) 423-9663 or email us at woody@energycontrolofiowa.com. We are located in Iowa City, Iowa and cover the entire greater Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Quad Cities areas.

Considering Home Window Replacement? Read This First.

webmasterSeptember 23, 2022Home Window Tinting in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa AreasLeave a Comment

Have you been considering a home window replacement? There may be some better ideas that you should consider before pulling the trigger. In this post we summarize an article from The Washington Post entitled “What to consider before replacing the windows on your home“.

The article is based on the author being asked by a friend for some advice on having their home windows replaced. He explains that retaining and retrofitting your existing windows might be a much better option. He also makes the point of saying with current inflation that the sticker shock on window replacement might be quite eye-opening. He states that “It may be a better idea to install new weatherstripping and window films, and to paint your existing windows with the best urethane resin paint you can find
We hoped that you enjoyed this article considering a home window tint retrofit instead of home window replacement.”

As we install window films, we will focus on that option. These films are installed on your existing windows most commonly on the inside surface. Most home window film and tint installs can be done fairly quickly with very little disruption to your home. As the author mentions in the article, “you can apply transparent films to your existing windows and achieve the same results. One film can reject 97 percent of the IR light that’s trying to transform the inside of your house into a blast furnace. Another film can block significant amounts of UV light that work to fade your fabrics and carpets. These films cost a tiny fraction of what a new window might set you back.”

One thing the article mentions to consider is how long you might be staying in the home if you think the replacement windows will pay for themselves in the energy savings. He mentions that this might be much longer than you might expect by saying “My calculator showed it would take more than 86 years to break even. Yes, as energy costs rise, the payback period is reduced. Do your own math using your true annual heating and cooling costs. I think you’ll be stunned by the length of your payback period.”

We hope you enjoyed this post. If you would like to read the entire article in The Washington Post, click HERE.

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