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Window films have been used for a long time for various purposes including solar control, privacy, and safety. However, one of the most attractive and sought after functions of window film is for energy savings. While most solar control window films will, to some degree, save your home in energy costs during the winter, when looking for energy savings year-round. Low-E films are the best way to improve window insulating properties during the winter heating season but also has cooling properties in the summer.  

What Does Low-E mean?

Essentially, a windows emissivity is the percentage degree to which heat is reflected back into a room and how much of this radiant heat is lost to the outdoors. The lower the “e-value” the better equipped a film is to save energy in your home. Almost all solar control films have an “e-value” of .84 or 84%. Low-E films, on the other hand, have lower “e-values” which works best for energy-efficiency. These films reduce heat loss in winter but in summer they help to reduce heat gain–making them critical for year-round savings. Some companies post the emissivity of their Low-e films. Others do not. While this value is important, it is critical to note that other factors determine overall efficacy, therefore, a Low-e should not be judged on e-value alone. Below we have listed the top Low-e window film brands with their emissivity when available and other key factors that set them apart. 

*Please note: Most Low-e films have an emissivity of 65% unless otherwise stated

Top Low-E Window Film Brands

1. Enerlogic
Emissivity: 0.07 (7%)
Enerlogic claims to have the lowest emissivity in the business–therefore offering the most savings. While there are other factors involved, ostensibly, you will save more on utility bills with Enerlogic than any other film based on emissivity alone. Their patent-pending coating delivers on energy efficiency in every season. Plus the appearance of this film is spectacular.

2. Solar Gard: Silver AG
Emissivity: 0.22 (22%)
Has one of the lowest emissivity, which prevents a fair amount of heat from escaping through windows in the winter. High heat rejection and low emissivity combine for fast ROI in dual-climate regions. Used specifically for architectural purposes this film offers incredible clarity.

3. Llumar
Emissivity: 0.33 (33%)
This Low-E film provides excellent energy conservation with a slew of solar control properties as well–shielding your home from 99% of ultraviolet rays. This first-rate solar technology also allows windows to make the best use of natural light by reflecting infrared heat while still allowing visible light in.

4. 3M:Thinsulate
Emissivity: N/A
3M is one of the brands that does not post its emissivity. However, this does not detract from the fact that 3M Thinsulate is one of the most powerful energy-efficient window films on the market today. Windows treated with this films have incredibly insulation properties–a single pane window close to that of a double-pane window and a double pane window near that of a triple pane window.

5. Huper Optik: Fusion Series 10
Emissivity:0.23 (23%)
The fusion series from Hüper Optik is the perfect mix of window film technologies. A distinctly low e-value means a guaranteed energy-efficient performance. However, their lovely neutral tones mean second to none aesthetics. Plus this films solar control properties mean more than just saving but comfort through preventing temperature variances and hot spots–all while rejecting infrared and ultraviolet light rays.

For more information on these or any other window film brands for your Fort Collins home, contact us at Scottish Window Tinting today!