Window film
If you can’t afford double glazing, then consider putting window film onto your existing windows. This can be done quickly and installers don’t have to remove the glass from the frame.
Window film can help to absorb and/or reflect the solar rays that heat up your premises.
The main benefit from window film is during summer. In WERS tests, one film product achieved a 5-star cooling rating with a cool percentage of 70%.[1]
A low ‘E’ film can reduce heat-loss during winter and reject the heat in summer. ‘Low E’ means that the glass with film on it has improved insulating properties that result in less heat loss on cold days and greater heat rejection on warm days. In WERS tests, one film product achieved a four and a half star heating rating with a heating percentage of 47%.[2]
WERS For Film rating scheme
The Windows Energy Rating Scheme now lists films on their website. This WERS For Film initiative enables you to compare the energy claims of different window films.
Image courtesy of WFAANZ
Participating film manufacturers have products applied to glass in a window by an independent laboratory that’s accredited by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council.
The window with film applied then receives a star rating for heating and cooling, similar to the energy-star stickers on white goods.
The following two links contain the listings and results for applied film products that have been tested for their energy efficiency performance.
- The Residential Film Products are for the conventional windows used by many small businesses: EnergyCut.info/wers-residential-film-products
- The Commercial Film Products are for commercial shopfront glazing: EnergyCut.info/wers-commercial-film-products
Further information
The Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ) comprises window film manufacturers, suppliers and applicators.
All WFAANZ members warranty their window film products. Warranties for film cover most potential defects such as de-metalisation, peeling, bubbling, delaminating and colour change. Further warranty information can be obtained by consulting each manufacturer directly.
You can get more information on window film at this site: www.wfaanz.org.au
They also have a searchable listing for window film installers: EnergyCut.info/find-a-window-film-installer
Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolates, VIC
Indulge Fine Belgian Chocolate in Bendigo put a special film over their windows to help maintain temperatures in winter and summer. To keep temperatures cooler, they also installed blinds at the shop’s front windows to block out the afternoon sun.[3]