Low-E Window Film vs. Replacing Windows: Which Is Better in Salt Lake City?

Is it time to replace those drafty, inefficient windows in your Salt Lake City home? Hold on! Did you know installing low-e window film for your Salt Lake City property can provide similar benefits at a fraction of the cost?

At Window Film Salt Lake City, we’re very familiar with low-e window films and all of their advantages. We serve homeowners across Salt Lake City – from East Bench and the Greater Avenues to Liberty Wells, Sugar House, Yalecrest and beyond. In this blog, we’ll explore why low-e window films are an energy efficient, budget-friendly solution for the region’s extreme climate.

What is Low-E Window Film?

Low-emissivity (low-e) window films are thin, transparent sheets designed to reflect infrared light and radiant heat. This innovative technology works with your existing windows to reduce heat loss in winter and block solar heat gain in summer.

Unlike heavily tinted films, high-quality low-e films come in optically clear options that maintain your view and natural light. Advanced “spectrally-selective” low-e films go a step further by blocking more of the sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays while letting visible light pass through.

Compared to replacing windows entirely, low-e films provide similar insulation at a fraction of the cost and hassle. Let’s explore why low-e window films are a smart solution for Salt Lake City homes.

How Low-E Films Improve Energy Efficiency

Low-e window films work by using specialized technology to reflect infrared heat. This heat-reflecting capacity means the films help trap “thermal energy” inside your home during frigid Salt Lake City winters.

Come summer, the same technology blocks incoming infrared light and reduces solar heat gain indoors. This keeps your home cooler, lowering air conditioning costs. Low-e films also reduce damaging ultraviolet rays that can cause furnishings to fade. All of this adds up to year-round savings!

Low-E vs. New Windows: What’s the Difference?

How do low-e films stack up against new window installations? Let’s compare:

– Upfront Costs – Low-e films cost a fraction compared to full window replacements. Installation takes less than a day and has no structural requirements.

– Energy Savings – Low-e films provide comparable insulation to new double-pane windows. High-performance films even outperform some triple-pane windows.

– Eco-Friendly – Films reuse existing window frames rather than sending old windows to the landfill. The process generates little waste.

– Return on Investment – Don’t want to wait decades to recoup your costs? Low-e film provides a fast payback of 3-5 years.

– Aesthetics – Low-e films come in optically clear options that don’t impact your view or change the look of your home.

For most Salt Lake City homeowners, low-e window film provides the ideal balance of efficiency, affordability and convenience. Keep reading to learn more benefits!

Benefits of Low-E Window Films

In addition to being a superior alternative to replacement windows, low-e window films offer Salt Lake City property owners other advantages such as:

Energy Savings

As we’ve discussed, low-e window films provide year-round energy savings by reducing your heating and cooling costs. High-performance films can lower household energy use by up to 30%.

These energy reductions can help homes qualify for sustainability programs like LEED and Energy Star certifications. Low-e films support Salt Lake City’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and carbon emissions.

UV Protection

Low-e films block up to 99% of ultraviolet light that would otherwise damage your furnishings, artwork, fabrics and flooring. UV protection helps interiors stay looking their best for longer.

Reducing UV exposure also provides health benefits. Long-term UV exposure can increase risk for skin cancer and eye conditions like cataracts. Low-e films let you enjoy the sunny Salt Lake City climate without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Comfort & Climate Control

Few things are more frustrating than drafty windows that create cold spots in winter and turn into greenhouse-hot heat traps in summer. Low-e films create a consistent temperature inside your home.

The films minimize temperature fluctuations and humidity by controlling heat flow through the windows. This increased comfort feels even better when you aren’t wasting money heating and cooling air that leaks through inefficient windows!

Cost Savings & Fast ROI

One of the biggest perks of low-e films? The fast return on your investment. Let’s break down the numbers:

– Installation Cost – Professionally installed low-e film starts around $20 per square foot.

– Energy Savings – You can expect to lower your energy bills by 30% or more per year. For the average U.S. household, that’s hundreds of dollars in savings annually!

– Payback Period – With those energy savings, your initial investment pays for itself in as little as 3-5 years. If you sell the home, the increased resale value also helps offset installation costs.

– Rebates & Tax Credits – Check for additional incentives, like utility company rebates and state/federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements. These can improve ROI even more.

Another benefit of low-e film? It starts preventing heat loss as soon as it’s installed. Compared to slow-payback improvements like roof or siding replacements, low-e film provides immediate savings.

Hiring a Professional

While DIY films are tempting for the budget-conscious, professional installation truly maximizes performance. Trained technicians use meticulous methods to guarantee the film bonds correctly across every inch.

Attempting to install window film on your own risks bubbles, creases and other flaws that ultimately degrade the film’s insulation capacity and longevity. Don’t waste money on repeated DIY attempts – our expert staff gets it right the first time.

Our experienced professionals follow manufacturer specifications to deliver reliable results. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Window Film FAQs

Home improvements often come with questions. Here are expert answers to some most common low-e window film concerns:

Does the film damage window frames or glass?

Quality low-e film is designed specifically for retrofitting existing windows without compromising their integrity. Modern films use non-corrosive adhesives that won’t degrade frames or glazing. The film bonds securely without the need for chemicals or drilling.

How long will low-e film last?

Professionally installed window films last 7-10 years on average. With proper care, many last 15+ years. The durable metal coatings maintain performance levels throughout the lifespan. When it’s eventually time to replace the film, the process is quick and affordable.

Will the film reduce visibility or views?

While dark tinted films are infamous for reducing clarity and aesthetics, many modern films come in optically clear varieties. Non-reflective, low-e films effectively block UV and infrared light while letting visible light pass through. These films have limited impact on visibility.

Can film be installed on dual-pane windows?

Low-e films are recommended for single, double and even triple pane window assemblies. To maximize performance on multi-pane windows, the film should be installed on the outermost pane to reflect heat before it enters the glazing. If window frames aren’t accessible from the exterior, interior application works as well.

Will the film change the exterior appearance of my home?

Low-e window films are designed to be virtually undetectable from the outside. The thin films conform cleanly to the glass surface without overlays, brackets or exterior mounting systems. The low-profile application maintains your home’s original look.

Enhance Comfort and Efficiency

Replacing drafty windows can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take weeks to accomplish. As we’ve covered, low-e window films offer Salt Lake City property owners an affordable alternative that provides comfort and energy savings.

Homeowners across Salt Lake City – from Sugar House to East Bench – turn to low-e films as a convenient way to enhance insulation and protect interiors. Contact our team today to get an estimate for your property and experience the benefits firsthand! We look forward to helping you make your home more comfortable and sustainable.