By Will Soutter
The International Window Film Association, a non-profit enterprise, is providing pointers on ways to minimize cooling costs while also reducing the burden on the country’s power grids. The organization observes that about one third of a standard building’s cooling challenge comes from the sun’s heat coming in through the windows.
As per the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), buildings use around 41% of the country’s power resources, which is more than that used by the transportation sector. About 25%-35% of energy wasted can be attributed to inadequate windows. Furthermore, the California Energy Commission calculates that about 40% of a standard building’s cooling needs are due to the sun’s heat coming in through the windows.
Darrell Smith, Executive Director of IWFA, informed that window film besides being a better option with respect to minimizing energy consumption is also a better “green” choice as it leaves only a minimal carbon footprint. He further extolled the benefits of window film, stating that it can be fixed easily on the current windows without throwing users’ daily routine out of gear, and at the same time offering comfort within their interiors.
Additionally, plenty of window film products obstruct about 60% of infrared rays and 99% of UV rays, thus reducing the harmful effects of the sun’s heat and helping to reduce power costs. The booklet with information can be downloaded at www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/IWFAWindowFilmBooklet.aspx and offers pointers on how window film can be used to reduce power use for cooling and stretch the lifespan of the windows without compromising on the aesthetics of the existing windows.
Source: http://www.iwfa.com