For commercial spaces across the Miami area, window film is incredibly beneficial. For uses from solar control to privacy and security to branding–it is an affordable and effective way to improve your commercial location. However, one of the best applications for window film for businesses owners is saving money on utility bills. For these people, monthly bills for energy can range into the thousands. So, decreasing those bills by 10% or more–really adds up. Solar control window films are one way to save some money but the most effective films for energy savings are definitely Low-E films–window films that are specifically engineered to drastically reduce energy usage and waste.

What Is Low-E Window Film?

Low-E stands for low emissivity. The emissivity of a film is the percentage degree to which heat is reflected from the windows and does not escape. The lower the “e-value” of a window film the better it performs saving energy. Most solar control films have an “e-value” of .84 or 84%. Low-E films, on the other hand, have lower “e-values”. Therefore, they are more effective run of the mill solar control films for energy-efficiency. This is because Low-E films reduce heat loss in winter but also reduce heat gain in the summer. For this reason, they are a great choice for commercial spaces looking to cut back on energy expenses. Most Low-E films have their emissivity level listed on their spec sheets but some do not. While e-values play a critical role in determining a films potential efficacy, it is important to note that there are other factors which determine the overall efficacy of an energy-efficient film. Therefore, do not select a Low-E film based on this value alone.

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

  1. Enerlogic:
    Emissivity: 0.07 (7%)
    Enerlogic’s claims to have the lowest emissivity in the business at 7% and, as far as we can tell, this is true. While there are other factors involved, Enerlogic is known industry-wide to save copious amounts of money for commercial spaces that apply their window films and window tints. Their patent-pending coating delivers on energy efficiency, year-round in any climate, therefore is a great choice for Miami commercial spaces. Also, the appearance of this film is second to none.
  2. Solar Gard Silver AG
    Emissivity: 0.22 (22%)
    Solar Gard Silver AG has one of the lowest emissivity in the biz, making it a wonderful addition to any business looking to save money on energy bills. It also has incredibly high heat rejection properties on top of one of the lowest emissivity. This combine that makes for a fast ROI in regions such as Miami. It’s widely used for its appearance in high-value architectural projects too since it is incredibly clear and beautiful.
  3. Llumar:
    Emissivity: 0.33 (33%)
    This Low-E film is excellent for energy conservation and offers commercial and residential quite a few additional solar control properties as well. This includes protection from 99% of ultraviolet rays. The premium solar control, Low-e film combo allows commercial spaces to make the best use of natural light–reflecting infrared heat but still allowing in abundant visible light. This means a more comfortable, more productive Miami workplace.
  4. 3M Thinsulate:
    Emissivity: N/A
    3M is one of the companies that does not post the emissivity of their films Low-E films. But this does not detract from the fact that 3M Thinsulate is one of the most energy-efficient window films on the market. An industry leader in commercial comfort and protection, 3M Thinsulate films have amazing insulation properties. This film is known to make a single pane window’s insulation close to that of a double-pane window and a double pane window’s insulation 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 leading window film technologies. Their incredibly low e-value makes for substantial energy-efficiency in commercial spaces notorious for poor efficiency performance. However, their elegant neutral tones mean marvelous aesthetics in your workplace. Plus, these films have substantial solar control properties. Meaning, your business saves money but offers employees and tenants a comfortable work environment too.

For more information on these or any other window film brands for your San Antonio home, contact us at Greenlight Window Films today!

Angus Faith has been installing window film in the Miami area for over ten years. After moving to Miami from Scotland, he acquired a position as a window tinting technician and eventually transitioned to the sales and project management side of the business. With a background in industrial and residential building construction, Angus draws on his diverse knowledge and skill set to help customers find the perfect window film to accomplish their architectural goals. He is well-versed in all the latest innovations from leading manufacturers such as 3M, Vista, and LLumar as well as industry best practices and uses his professional insight to conduct training courses for other installers. When he's not in the office, Angus enjoys spending time with his family, relaxing at Miami's beautiful beaches, and traveling as often as he can.