Window tinting can reduce the amount of solar heat entering through your windows. How much difference it makes depends on the film, the type of glass, the size of the glazed area and how much direct sun the windows receive.
Solar control window film works by reflecting and absorbing part of the sun’s energy at the glass, reducing the amount that passes through into the room. A clear ceramic film on one window will perform differently from a reflective film installed across a large office facade, which is why we look at the glazing and the problem you are trying to solve before recommending a film.
Sunlight carries solar energy through untreated glass and into the room. Once inside, that energy contributes to the temperature of the space and can make rooms with large areas of exposed glass uncomfortable during warmer weather.
Solar control film reduces the amount of solar energy entering through the glazing. Different films use ceramic, metallised or other solar-control technologies to reflect or absorb part of that energy before it reaches the room.
Window film is most effective when direct sun through the glass is contributing to the heat problem. A room with large north or west-facing windows, for example, may benefit considerably from solar control film. If the main issue is poor insulation, draughts or another part of the building envelope, window film may only address part of the problem.
There is no single heat-reduction figure that applies to every window. The result depends on the glazing, the film and the amount of solar exposure.
The main factors are:
When we quote, we identify the film we are recommending and provide the relevant performance information for that product. This gives you something specific to compare rather than relying on a general heat-reduction claim.
The right heat reduction window film is not automatically the darkest or most reflective option. We look at the amount of heat you want to reduce, how much natural light you want to retain and how you want the glass to look from inside and outside.
Heat through windows is a different problem in summer and winter.
During summer, direct solar gain through the glass can make exposed rooms considerably warmer. Solar control film is designed primarily to reduce that incoming solar energy.
During winter, the issue is heat moving out through the glazing. Some low-emissivity films are designed to improve the insulating performance of existing glass by reducing radiant heat transfer.
If you are comparing heat insulation film for windows, it is important to distinguish between a film designed mainly for summer solar control and one intended to assist with year-round insulation. Searches for window insulation film Melbourne often cover both types of product, but they do different jobs.
If summer heat and winter comfort are both priorities, let us know when you request a quote so we can recommend a film that suits the way the room is used throughout the year.
Reducing solar heat gain can reduce the amount of cooling required to keep a room comfortable during warmer weather. That can mean your air conditioning does not need to work as hard or run for as long.
We do not quote a standard energy-saving percentage because the result depends on the building, glazing, air-conditioning system, electricity costs and how the space is used.
Instead, we provide the specifications for the film being recommended so you can see its rated solar performance before deciding whether it is right for your property.
Not necessarily.
Modern solar control films are available in a wide range of visible light and heat-rejection levels. Ceramic and spectrally selective films can reduce solar heat while maintaining a relatively natural appearance and allowing substantial natural light into the room.
Reflective and darker films can provide stronger glare or solar control in some applications, but they also change the appearance of the glass more noticeably.
If maintaining natural light and the view is important, we take that into account when recommending a product. We can show you the available options so you can balance heat reduction, glare, privacy and appearance.
We install heat control window film across greater Melbourne, the south-east, the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
For homes, heat reduction is available as part of our residential window tinting service. We can assess individual rooms or larger areas of glazing and recommend a film based on the glass, sun exposure and the result you want.
For workplaces, shops, warehouses and other business premises, our commercial window tinting service includes solar and heat control film for existing commercial glazing.
Larger building and development projects can also be managed through our window tinting services, including commercial, construction and specialist film requirements.
You can also see examples of completed residential and commercial installations in our recent work.
Window tinting affects heat differently in winter and summer. Solar control film is primarily designed to reduce solar heat entering through the glass, which is particularly useful during warmer weather. Some low-emissivity films can also help reduce heat loss through the glass during cooler months. If winter insulation is important, we take that into account when recommending a film.
How much heat window film blocks depends on the film, the type of glass and the amount of direct sun the window receives. Different films have different rated solar performance, so there is no single percentage that applies to every installation.
The best window tint for heat reduction depends on the glazing, the level of solar exposure and how you want the windows to look. Ceramic, reflective and dual-reflective solar control films can all provide strong heat reduction, but they differ in visible light transmission and reflectivity. We assess those factors before recommending a film.
Window tinting can reduce glare as well as heat. Solar control films reduce the amount of direct solar energy and visible light passing through the glass, which can make screens easier to see and rooms more comfortable when direct sun is a problem.
The amount of glare reduction varies between products, so we can recommend a film based on whether heat, glare or a combination of the two is causing the issue.
Heat reduction film can be installed on many types of double glazing, but the film must be compatible with the particular glass and glazing system.
We identify the type of glass before recommending a film because different glazing configurations absorb and manage heat differently. Choosing an appropriate product is particularly important with insulated and low-emissivity glass.
The lifespan of heat control window film depends on the product, the glazing, its exposure and how it is maintained. We install established architectural window film brands and confirm the applicable product warranty as part of the quote. All residential installations are also covered by our lifetime installation warranty. Following the recommended cleaning and maintenance instructions will also help keep the film in good condition.
Tell us which windows are causing the problem, where they are located and roughly how large they are. For straightforward jobs, we may be able to recommend and quote from the information and photos you provide. Larger or more complex glazing may need an on-site assessment before we specify the film.
Either way, we will explain the options, recommend a film suited to the glazing and provide an itemised quote before you commit.
