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Commercial

Aug 24
0
Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & Tint in the Springfield, Missouri area

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film – Experts Weigh In

By | Commercial
Energy Efficiency Claims and Real Information From The Experts

When it comes to commercial buildings, statistics and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR are alluded to quite frequently. And some of this information can be quite overwhelming. When you hear some of these energy efficiency facts, how do you decide to take action within your own building?

Here, we explain how high-performance, low-e window film can address the energy efficiency statistics and claims that exist in our industry.

Claim: Approximately one third of a building’s cooling costs can be attributed to solar heat gain through windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & TintHow Window Film Helps: If buildings don’t have a way to reduce solar heat gain coming in through window glass, then cooling systems may be used more often to keep tenants and occupants comfortable. Using window film to reduce solar heat gain can make a big impact on cooling costs by helping to even out hot and cold spots, regulating temperatures near windows to improve thermal comfort, and reducing cooling requirements. Newer low-e films are designed to be spectrally selective, reducing a large portion of the sun’s infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through.

Claim: HVAC systems account for roughly 41% of total commercial building electrical usage – almost double that of any other building system.

Source: Alliant Energy

How Window Film Helps: Reducing heating and cooling loads can lessen HVAC energy usage – and high-performance, low-e window film may help you accomplish this. After installation, you may notice reduced HVAC usage thanks to more controlled interior temperatures throughout the building. Another bonus? When you reduce loads, you also reduce stress on the system. The more often it runs, the faster the equipment may need repairs or replacement. When it runs less often, you can prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Claim: Energy costs represent 30% of a typical building’s annual budget and is the single largest operating cost.

Source: BOMA-Kingsley Quarterly/ENERGY STAR

How Window Film Helps: Operating costs include energy usage for HVAC, lighting, plug load, etc. And low-e window film can positively impact all of these factors. For example, uncontrolled daylight through window glass often causes tenants and occupants to shut blinds and shades. This may reduce the amount of natural daylight coming into the space, and place a higher demand on your electric lighting system. At the end of the month, you may notice higher utility bills if lighting has been turned on more often.

Claim: 80% of workers have trouble concentrating if the office temperature is higher than normal; nearly two-thirds say typical tasks may take up to 25% longer in warmer conditions.

Source: Cornell University

How Window Film Helps: As mentioned above, low-e window film can reduce plug loads – and here’s how. Unprotected glass can cause year-round indoor temperature fluctuations: warm temperatures in summer months due to solar heat gain, and cool temperatures in winter months due to thermal heat loss. If tenants or occupants are uncomfortable, they may resort to space heaters and fans to keep working environments at reasonable temperatures. As a result, your electricity bills go up. Installing low-e film may remove hot and cold spots, reduce solar heat gain and thermal loss, and allow tenants and occupants to keep blinds and shades open. When they are more comfortable and have access to natural light and views to the outdoors, workers may be more productive.

Claim: Inefficient windows are to blame for 25% to 35% of wasted energy in commercial buildings.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

How Window Film Helps: The poor insulating characteristics of glass make windows one of the worst-performing components of your building envelope. Low-e window film can improve comfort levels and save energy by improving window insulating power by up to 92%. The right low-e window film provides single-pane windows with the same insulating performance as double-pane windows (and double-pane windows with the same insulating performance as triple-pane windows), significantly increasing the R-value of existing windows.This data was shared

Information Provided by Steve Debusk, Global Energy Solutions Manager from Eastman Chemical Company.

We hope this article enlightened you on some energy efficiency issues and how commercial window film can help. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Springfield Window Tinting today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Jul 13
0
7 Reasons to Consider Commercial Decorative Glass Films - Decorative Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

Commercial Decorative Glass Films – 7 Reasons They Beat Custom Glass

By | Commercial

Considering a custom glass or decorative glass option for your commercial space? Whether aiming to add privacy, style or just looking for a change in decor, commercial decorative glass films are a cost effective solution.

These innovative films are very versatile and allow freedom in design. In addition, they can be customized to fulfill any requirement. Also, various films can be used to create the finished product, whether it is textured, patterned or colored film. Finally, they can be utilized to influence glass transparency as well as its light transmittance. Now, let’s take a look at some additional benefits.

7 Benefits of Commercial Decorative Glass Films for Your Space

Seven Reasons to Consider Commercial Decorative Glass Films

  • Nearly Unlimited Options – Custom glass panels are expensive and have limitations. Using stock or custom decorative films enable you to achieve nearly unlimited options at a fraction of the cost of custom glass.
  • Add Privacy – Decorative glass film can be used to add privacy to any space with a window or glass partition.
  • Improve The Appearance of Glass Panel – Decorative glass film transform plain glass into a integrated design element in the space.
  • Saves Money – Decorative glass film allows the desired look at a fraction of the cost of custom glass. In addition, they are easily removable if space needs or requirements ever change. In contrast, custom glass would require the panel to be changed out.
  • Integrate Branding Element – Decorative glass films enable the integration of company or product branding on windows or glass panels.
  • Creates Visual Break in Space – Decorative glass film allows you to create a visual break on a glass panel that stops the line of sight or registers a differentiation in spaces.
  • Ease of Maintenance – The texture of custom glass make it difficult to keep clean as oils and dirt become lodged in the textured surface. Decorative glass film can be wiped clean easily. This helps keep the design looking as great as the day it was installed.

If you would like more information on all of the terrific options available with commercial decorative glass films, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss implementing these films in Springfield, Missouri area spaces.

May 27
0
Window Tint & Window Film Benefits and Their Differences - Window Tinting and Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

Window Tint & Window Film Benefits and Their Differences

By | Commercial, Home

Ever had to squint your eyes from bright glare or struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in a sunny room? How about wanting some additional privacy or security from a glass surface? If so, you may have thought about a product that might be applied to your windows to solve this issue. However, if you do even a quick Google search, you may end up more confused. What’s the difference between “window tint” and “window film” for your windows, and which is the right product to solve your issue? This article was written to help clear up this confusion and understand window tint and window film benefits and differences and whether one might be a good solution for you.

Window Tint vs Window Film

First, it is understandable that you might be confused. Even within the industry, these terms are often used interchangeably. However, newer technology actually dictates that it makes sense to differentiate between a “window tint” and a “window film”. Both window films and window tint are an alteration of existing windows and are applied to the window in place in the home or commercial space. There are a huge variety of these applied films. Some can be used to change the color or visible light transmission through the glass. We would typically refer to these as a window tint because they, to varying degrees, darken the glass to which they are applied. However, there are many other films that offer other benefits that do not entail darkening the glass at all. We would refer to these other products as window films.
So, depending on your needs, tastes and requirements, you might utilize a window tint or a window film. The proper thing to focus on would be the benefits these films provide. Once you determine what you need to accomplish, the proper product can be selected. Below you will find some of the more prominent benefits of window film and window tint.

Primary Benefits of Window Film / Window Tint
  • Reduce Glare – Applying tint to your home or commercial windows can result in blocking significant amount of the sun’s glare from passing through the glass.
  • Protect Furnishings – The sun’s UV rays penetrate through windows of your space. With prolonged exposure, furnishings, carpet, rugs and upholstery can become faded and damaged. Window films and window tint offers a great solution for fading issue as it typically blocks 99% of the UV while still allowing you to enjoy your windows.
  • Energy Savings – Window film and tint can act as a window insulator keeping heat out in the Summer and retaining heat in the Winter. This can help decrease utility bills by reducing how hard heating and air conditioning systems need to work to keep the space comfortable.
  • Increase Privacy – Window films can be used strategically throughout a space to offer additional privacy, add decor, integrate company branding or create visual breaks on any glass surfaces.
  • Enhance Safety – Accidents happen and a window can be broken. When this happens with a typical window, the glass breaks in a way that can be dangerous. Safety window films can keep the broken glass in place and reduce the danger.
  • Improve Security – Security window films exists that can provide some of the other benefits listed and make uninvited entry into the space more difficult. This makes these types of films a perfect compliment to a security system.
  • Affordable Alternative to Window Replacement – At some point nearly any window may need to be replaced, but by using window films you may be able to significantly extend the useful life of existing windows while achieving the benefits you desire. Having a professionally installed tint or film applied is much less costly and far less disruptive to your space than window replacement.

If you would like more information or have any questions about window tint and window film benefits or their differences, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area. We look forward to serving any window film needs you may have.

Jan 31
0
Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and Film in Springfield, Missouri

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy

By | Commercial, Home

These days, a more energy efficient commercial space helps you go green in two ways: it’s better for the environment, and it’s better for your wallet. With the costs of utilities going through the roof, you want to find ways to conserve wherever possible. The energy savings from solar control window films can help you avoid costly utility bills, and these innovative films retrofit to existing windows to avoid the cost and disruption of replacing inefficient windows.

Adding one of these window films to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation….and they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and FilmThis results in a number of significant benefits:

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Jul 01
0
Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of Energy - Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of Energy

By | Commercial, Home

In an article by the Department of Energy website Energy.Gov entitled Energy Efficient Window Attachments, they discuss the window film energy saving benefits as well as the benefits of several other window covering technologies. They highlight window films in the list and have very positive things to say about the energy saving benefits these films provide.

As the article states:

“Window films help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure…They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain. They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure.”

Window Film Energy Saving Benefits Discussed by Department of EnergyThe article goes on to discuss how different window films are the first window attachment to be rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This rating allows you to compare the performance figures of differing films on an apples to apples basis. Regarding these labels, the article states that film “includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT) of the window film, both numbers between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at blocking heat gain. The higher the VT, the more potential for daylighting.”

It’s nice to see window films recognized by a third party rating source for their energy saving abilities. Moreover, it is even more satisfying to see the recognition coming from The Department of Energy as they discuss their role in energy efficient design.

To see the entire article, click HERE

If you have any questions about this article or how you can experience window film energy saving benefits in your home or commercial space, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide you with a free, no obligation quote to implement this innovative technology into your existing windows.

Jun 17
0
Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Films and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy

By | Commercial, Home

We wanted to summarize some information contained in an article that appeared in Healthcare Facilities Today related to how a window film retrofit upgrade to existing glass can enhance comfort and help save energy in nearly any space. The article written by Steve DeBusk entitled Window Film Can Balance Comfort, Energy Savings discusses some primary sources of savings. While this article was written specifically about using these films in hospitals and medical buildings, the benefits can be realized not only in medical facilities, but nearly any residential or commercial space.

The article begins by saying that “the right type of window film offers several energy-saving benefits: enhanced and prolonged performance of HVAC and lighting systems, increased window insulating power, and decreased plug load. Window film also improves the indoor environment by reducing hot and cold spots, making near-window indoor temperatures more tolerable, reducing glare, and lessening exposure to UV rays.” Let’s take a look at each on of these points individually.

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Film and Window Tinting InformationImproved Comfort: As mentioned above, a properly specified window film can help reduce both how and cold spots in a building. Rather than have areas of a building that are too hot or too cold, you can strategically use window films to even out the temperature and increase comfort. In addition, window films can be used to reduce glare and eye strain while allowing pleasant light to stream into the space. This makes a space more pleasant by maintaining views while eliminating the irritating elements of natural lighting.

HVAC Savings: This point was made by stating “proper maintenance and load reduction strategies may extend the life of existing systems. If you’ve identified HVAC as an opportunity to save energy, start by reducing heating and cooling loads. You may also prolong capital investments in HVAC upgrades or replacements.” There are several ways to reduce the load on an HVAC system, but a logical place to start is by controlling the transmission of heat through the windows. Window films can be used to help reduce the heat passing through the glass and allowing the HVAC to not have to work as hard to keep the space at the desired temperature.

Lighting Savings: Having uncontrolled light streaming through the windows can bring some unwanted aspects. This causes many people to use blinds or shades. The article explains by stating while this “helps reduce the effects of solar heat gain, glare, and UV ray exposure, but covering the windows also sacrifices natural light and views. As a result, artificial lighting requirements may increase because it’s the only source of light.” By taking advantage of the natural light coming through the windows, the need to use lighting is decreased and that helps save on lighting costs.

We hope that this summary helped you understand how a window film retrofit upgrade can improve your space by making it more comfortable and help save energy costs. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We service Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

Jun 08
0
Four Commercial Window Film Benefits Detailed on Buildings.com - Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits Detailed on Buildings.com

By | Commercial

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.

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits
  1. Four Commercial Window Film BenefitsLess 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We service Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

May 07
0
May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - See How Window Film Helps - Window Film and Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – See How Window Film Helps

By | Commercial, Home

Based on information from The Skin Cancer Foundation, with over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. That is why observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month is so important. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.

Skin care to help prevent skin cancerWhile fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer affected more than 5.4 million people in the United States in a single year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all the other cancer types combined, and one in five Americans will develop it by the age of 70. Because this risk is so great, we wanted to offer some skin cancer prevention steps you can take to protect yourself while on the go, at home, and on the job.

Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of RecommendationYou may wonder why we are sharing this information with you. What does window film have to do with skin cancer prevention? Actually, professionally installed window films are a given the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun protection. They warn that ultraviolet radiation can travel through car and home windows, where it can contribute to the daily accumulation of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. UV-blocking films can not only protect you against this exposure, but can offer other benefits as well. Harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they’re also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you’re inside your car or house, if you’re sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you’re at risk for UV damage. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.

We are happy to offer window film products that can help be part of the solution. We wanted to share this article and this information to do our part during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Please share this article to help raise skin cancer awareness and educate friends and family one how a product like window film can help protect you in ways you never imagined.

Vehicle UV Protection

Skin Protection While Driving With Automotive Window FilmsResearcher Scott Fosko, MD in an American Academy of Dermatology news release said that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. He continued by saying “Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men,”

Researches attribute this split to our sun exposure while driving in the car. Given that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year, that’s a lot time for one half of your body to be receiving more UV radiation than the other.

To prevent skin cancer, always keep sunscreen in your car and apply before driving. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen is critical, because at least 50% of UVA rays can pass through glass, and even though they aren’t as intense as UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common than UVB.

Another option is having a professionally installed window film installed. This is an even better way to filter the UV radiation that causes most types of skin cancer, because it filters all the time without the need for reapplying every two hours. In addition, many professionally installed window films are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can check out their article on using window film for sun protection by clicking HERE.

At-Home UV Protection

Skin Protection While at Home Using Home Window FilmsSpeaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors

An easier solution is to have a window film installed to block out up to 99.9% of those damaging rays. Because films put a barrier between your home and the sun, they reflect heat from the exterior and trap it inside during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of window films for protecting your home, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog post on the topic.

UV Protection on the Job

Skin Protection While Working With Commercial Window FilmsWhile you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.

If you’re lucky enough to sit by a window while you work, don’t forget to consider windows film or a broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied regularly. If neither these options is feasible, try and situate your workspace where you won’t be sitting directly in the sun. If you work outside, sunscreen is especially important! The Skin Cancer Foundation found that 85% of melanomas and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers come from exposure to UV radiation, so if you’re working full time outdoors, your risk will increase exponentially.

So, as we start in Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you found this article informative and now understand how window films can play a part in your overall skin protection plan. Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films to help protect your skin. If you would like more information on the products or services we offer, contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE.