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Low-E Performance with 3M Window Film

What is a Low-E Window?

Year-round energy advantages are provided by a Low-E window. This is achieved by not only diminishing solar heat gain in the summer but also minimizing heat loss in the winter, courtesy of an additional metallized coating applied to the glass during the manufacturing process. This supplemental feature proves especially beneficial in northern climates during the fall, winter, and early spring months. Residences and structures equipped with Low-E windows generally exhibit lower energy consumption for heating compared to their counterparts without such windows.

Why are Low-E Windows Important?

Basic scientific principles dictate that heat moves from warmer areas to cooler ones. Consequently, the heat generated by an HVAC system, whether it's a furnace or boiler, tends to flow toward colder spaces, predominantly outside where temperatures are significantly cooler. This heat travels outside through the path of least resistance, often via windows and other parts of the building envelope. The metallized coating of a Low-E window enhances the resistance to this heat passing through the glass by reflecting it back inside. This action reduces the amount of heat lost to the outside, resulting in decreased heat loss. As a consequence, the HVAC system consumes less energy, leading to lower heating bills, whether it's gas, electric, steam, or oil.

Do I Have Low-E Windows?

Newer homes and buildings typically have Low-E windows, especially where required by local code

Check the Corner of the Glass for the Window Stamp or Use a Low - E Coating Meter

What is 3M Low - E Window Tint?

Imagine taking the same Low-E coating present on a Low-E window and applying it to a clear polyester sheet, which is then affixed to window glass. This precisely describes Low-E window film.

Low-E window tint, also known as insulating window film, is a retrofit polyester film featuring a Low-E coating applied to an existing window to transform it into a Low-E window. The process of converting an existing window into a Low-E window is considerably more straightforward and cost-effective compared to window replacement. Replacing windows is both expensive and disruptive for occupants, tenants, and residents.

3M has been producing Low-E window films since the early 1970s, contributing to the reduction of heating consumption in buildings and homes during winter months. This reduction aids building owners and homeowners in minimizing their carbon footprint by relying less on heating fuels such as gas or steam.

Beyond enhancing energy efficiency by reducing heat loss during winter, Low-E window film proves advantageous during summer by mitigating solar heat gain, leading to year-round cost savings. In technical terms, a Low-E window tint diminishes a window’s U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The reduction in SHGC results in air-conditioning savings, while a decrease in U-Value translates to heating savings.

Why Low-E Window Film?

Low-E window films like 3M's Thinsulate Climate Control CC75 or LE-70 offer an enticing value proposition for commercial buildings seeking to enhance existing glazing and reduce their carbon footprint. Regulatory requirements such as New York City's Local Law 97, Boston's Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure (BERDO), and Washington's Clean Energy DC compel building owners to enhance the efficiency of their curtainwall glazing to decrease heating consumption and, consequently, their carbon footprint. However, window replacement is a substantial and costly endeavor that can be disruptive to tenants. 3M Low-E Window Films provide a cost-effective alternative.

Cost of Window Replacement:

$5000 per pane

Cost of window insert:

$2000 per pane

Cost of 3M Low-E Window Film:

$500 Per Pane

Low-E Window films are a great cost effective option to Window Replacement. Getting 3M Window Tint installed is quicker, more affordable, and eco friendly reducing heating bills during the Winter time.