Learn how solar control window film works with a Columbus, Ohio installation example. Reduce heat and UV rays.
How Solar Window Film Keeps You Cooler in Ohio
Discover how window film can help manage the sun's heat year-round. This guide explains the technology and uses a recent installation in Columbus, Ohio, as an example.
Understanding Solar Heat Through Your Windows
On sunny days, especially during Ohio's warmer months, your windows can act like greenhouses, letting in sunlight but trapping heat. This unwanted solar heat gain makes your interiors uncomfortable and forces your air conditioning system to work harder, increasing energy costs.
Introducing Solar Control Window Film
Solar control window film is a thin, highly engineered material applied to the interior surface of glass. It’s designed to manage the effects of solar radiation. Key properties include:
* **Total Solar Transmittance (TST):** This measures how much solar energy passes through the window. Lower TST means less heat enters your building. * **Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC):** The SHGC indicates the fraction of all incident solar radiation admitted through a window, including radiant heat and heat that comes through the window via conduction and convection. A lower SHGC means less solar heat gain. * **Visible Light Transmission (VLT):** This is the percentage of visible light that passes through the film and glass. Films can reduce glare while still allowing usable light in. * **Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER):** TSER is the percentage of total solar energy that is blocked by the window system. This is a crucial metric for understanding a film’s heat-blocking capability.
A Columbus Project Example
Recently, a property owner in Columbus, Ohio, sought to mitigate excessive solar heat. We applied Avery DR05, a type of solar control film, across 500 square feet of window area. This specific film is designed to significantly reduce the amount of solar energy entering the building.
The Avery DR05 film works by reflecting a portion of the sun's energy away from the glass while allowing a controlled amount of visible light to pass through. This reduces the **Total Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)** of the windows, directly impacting the interior temperature. For properties in Columbus and surrounding areas like Dayton, managing solar heat gain is key to maintaining comfort and reducing A/C load. Learn more about solar control solutions like this in our guide to [Solar Window Film in Dayton, Ohio](/solar-window-film-dayton-ohio).
Benefits Beyond Temperature Control
Beyond reducing heat, solar control films also block up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This protection helps prevent fading of interior furnishings, flooring, and artwork. The film’s construction, often measured in **mils** (one-thousandth of an inch), provides durability without significantly altering the window's appearance. While this film doesn't add insulation R-value, its ability to reduce heat gain directly lessens the workload on HVAC systems, contributing to energy efficiency. This technology offers a practical, cost-effective way for Columbus property owners to enhance their building’s performance.
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[See the full project →](/projects/solar-control-film-installation-on-columbus-property-columbus-43026)