WFAANZ window film - makeovers that make cents

A good architect, designer or builder understands the limitations and concerns of their client. As budgets are tight at the moment, ideas that deliver major results for minor costs make the best impression. A question underpinning any renovation advice should be - how can I increase the value of a building, make it run more efficiently and improve the standard of living without breaking my client's bank?

Window film offers a solution for those wanting to inexpensively improve the value and energy efficiency of a building, and reduce running costs.

As window film can be retrofit, windows do not need to be removed and replaced to ensure they achieve or exceed government mandated energy requirements. In most cases, retrofit film outperforms tinted or reflective glass in terms of energy efficiency, at a fraction of the cost.

President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand, Rob Hamilton, comments, "The return on investment of window film is impressive. Case studies show that air conditioning usage has been reduced by as much as 30% after the application of window film.

"This not only creates monthly energy bill savings, it also means less pressure on the conditioner unit, which means less maintenance and a longer lifespan," Rob said. "These benefits also become environmentally relevant when you consider the amount of power outages caused by air conditioner usage last summer."

The impact of film on the comfort and usability of a room is dramatic. Windows without film can account for up to 87% heat gain inside a room, making it stuffy and uncomfortable. Window film can reduce up to 99% UV radiation, 79% total solar energy, 95% infrared heat and 90% glare, all the while letting in natural light. So views can be enjoyed without curtains, blinds or awnings, which saves your client even more money.

Earlier this year the Torien family from Point Cook, Melbourne, had film installed on the windows in their two-storey home. Mrs Torien said "Our home is so much cooler on hot days, especially upstairs which used to be the problem area. The film has definitely reduced our energy bills, as we did not have to use the air conditioner regularly this summer at all. We can now watch TV in the daytime without closing the curtains, and we don't have to constantly close our ensuite blinds for privacy."

When weighing the financial benefits of film, sun damage is another consideration to discuss. Art, photographs, fabrics, woodwork and carpets exposed to natural sunlight will age prematurely and fade. Window film is one of the most effective and attractive ways of prolonging the life of an interior, making your client's design dollar stretch further.

Recommending window film proves you have your client's budget, comfort and overall design aesthetic