Can Window Film Lower Cooling Costs in Mississippi?

Window tint isn't just for cars. Toro Tint & Wrap also installs residential and commercial window film for homes, offices and storefronts around Madison, Gluckstadt, Ridgeland, Canton and Jackson. A common question is whether it actually saves energy. Here is what the research says.

What the research found

The U.S. General Services Administration's Green Proving Ground program studied solar-control films with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Its findings report that heat gain through windows accounts for 28% of cooling energy demand in U.S. commercial buildings, and that in modeling of warmer climates with single-pane clear windows, reflective spectrally selective films reduced HVAC energy use by 29%. Read the GSA findings (PDF).

Results depend on your windows

The same study found that savings depend heavily on the glass. Films performed best on single-pane clear windows in warm climates with mild winters, and were not found to be cost-effective on double-pane bronze windows in most climates. In other words, film can make a big difference on some buildings and a small one on others, so it is worth looking at your actual windows before you buy.

Other reasons people add window film

• Cutting glare on TVs, monitors and screens

• Reducing UV exposure that fades floors, furniture and merchandise

• Adding daytime privacy for street-facing rooms and offices

• Evening out hot spots in sun-facing rooms

Have a question about home or commercial window film? Call Toro Tint & Wrap at 901-236-4092, stop by 396 Business Park Dr Ste E in Madison (Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, Saturday by appointment), or request a free quote.