Amazon's $6 window films reduce heat and add privacy to your home
They're affordable and multifunctional.
Overview
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Trying to stay cool during the summer can take a lot of time, effort, and money, especially during a heat wave. Installing an air conditioner is often the first step when you want to effectively cool down your space, but there are little things that can help reduce heat and amp up the aesthetics.
Window films are a genius way to upgrade your home, and they can be a real lifesaver against the summer heat. Window films are thin layers that are applied to your windows, creating a barrier that can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. And many options are budget-friendly, too. Amazon has two popular options on sale right now, and they're only $6 each.
Dwersty Window Privacy Film
Rabbitgoo Stained Glass Decorative Window Privacy Film
Benefits of window film
Window film is a type of window treatment that can add a lot of value to your home, from added privacy to reduced heat, which can potentially save you money with lowered cooling use and cost.
- Daytime privacy: Window films are a fantastic way to add privacy to your home. They reduce visibility into your home, commonly through reflective, one-way films that reflect light and act as a mirror to onlookers during the day or through decorative and frosted window films that diffuse light and obstruct views both ways during the day and night.
- UV protection: Window films can also add an extra layer of protection, not just with privacy but also with heat and UV rays. They can block out UV rays, protecting your skin from direct sunlight. This feature also helps keep furniture in good condition, as direct sunlight can fade and impact furniture with long-term exposure.
- Heat reduction: In addition to blocking UV rays, window films can also reduce heat in your home. Depending on the type of window film, it can reflect or diffuse sunlight, which can help with heat control. With less heat entering your home, you can rely less on air conditioning to cool your space and ultimately reduce cooling costs and energy usage.
- Aesthetic boost: Window film isn't just a practical upgrade; it can also be a decorative element. Window films can have a window-like appearance that looks clean and minimal. There are also a lot of decorative window films that have patterns, from stained glass to 3D designs that reflect colorful light when paired with sunlight.
Disadvantages of window film
Window film can be a great addition to your home, but there are some things you want to consider before taking the plunge to update your windows.
Details
For starters, you want to make sure your window is compatible with the film, making sure the glass type and window type are suitable. One concern is thermal stress, specifically with multi-pane windows, as the window film can absorb heat and potentially fracture the window. Additionally, some window warranties may be voided if film is applied, so double-check to make sure what your warranty entails.
Other potential setbacks to window film are nighttime privacy and visibility. While they're great for privacy during the day, one-way films have the opposite effect at night. When it's dark outside and light inside, the inside of your home can be more visible. You can use frosted film to enhance privacy day and night, but since it works in both directions, your visibility out the window into your yard or the street is also limited.
Is window film worth it?
Window film is an affordable home upgrade that can add privacy, block UV rays, reduce heat, and add a decorative touch to your space. However, you're going to want to make sure your windows are compatible with the film, as you don't want to void warranties or cause any damage.
More window film picks
Kespen Window Privacy Film
Bungalow Rose 3D Stained Glass Window Film
Gorilla Guard Window Privacy Film
Dktie Agate Stone Lattice Stained Glass Privacy Window Film
Velimax Reeded Glass Window Film
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Source
Originally published at www.thestreet.com.
