Simplified Window Film
Terms & Meanings
Window film specs can be confusing. We've broken down every term into plain English so you can make the best choice for your home or business.
Why These Terms Matter for Homeowners & Businesses
These terms help you pick the right window film to make your home or business more comfortable, protect your belongings, and save money on energy bills.
Want a cooler home in summer?
Look for high Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) or low SHGC.
Want to protect furniture from fading?
Choose a film with high UV Rejection.
Want bright rooms without heat?
Go for a high Light-to-Solar-Gain Ratio (LSG).
Want to save on heating in winter?
Pick a film with a low U-Factor and low Emissivity.
UV Rejection
ProtectionDefinition: How much of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays the window film blocks.
Why it matters: A higher % protects your curtains, rugs, and furniture from fading and keeps your family safer from UV exposure. It's like sunscreen for your home.
Glare Reduction
ComfortDefinition: How much the film cuts down on bright, harsh light compared to plain glass.
Why it matters: More glare reduction means less squinting when watching TV or working in a sunny room. It's like sunglasses for your windows.
Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
LightDefinition: How much daylight the window lets into your home.
Why it matters: A higher % means brighter rooms, so you may need fewer lights on during the day, saving electricity. Great for a cheerful, well-lit kitchen.
Visible Light Rejection
LightDefinition: How much daylight the window film blocks or reflects away.
Why it matters: A higher % means less light comes in, which can reduce brightness in overly sunny rooms. It's like dimming the sun for comfort.
Infrared (IR) Rejection
HeatDefinition: How much of the sun's heat (infrared rays) the film stops from coming in.
Why it matters: A higher % means less heat enters, so your home stays cooler without overworking the AC. Think of it as a barrier to summer heat.
Infrared Energy Rejection (IRER)
HeatDefinition: Similar to IR rejection, but it also accounts for heat that gets absorbed by the window and radiates back into the room.
Why it matters: A higher IRER keeps your home cooler, especially in hot climates, saving energy. It's like a shield that stops heat from sneaking in.
Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER)
HeatDefinition: How much of the sun's total energy — light, heat, and UV — the window film blocks.
Why it matters: A higher % keeps your home cooler and protects it from sun damage, saving on cooling costs. It's like an umbrella blocking the sun's heat.
Shading Coefficient (SC)
HeatDefinition: How well the window film blocks heat compared to regular clear glass.
Why it matters: A lower number means better heat blocking, so your home stays cooler and you spend less on air conditioning. It's like a shade tree for your windows.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
HeatDefinition: Similar to the shading coefficient, but it also considers heat that gets absorbed and then radiates into the room.
Why it matters: A lower SHGC means less heat enters, keeping your home cooler and saving on AC costs. It's like a barrier that stops heat from creeping in.
Solar Transmission
HeatDefinition: How much of the sun's energy — light and heat — passes directly through the window.
Why it matters: A lower % means less heat and light enter, keeping your home cooler and more comfortable. It helps control how much sun gets in.
Solar Reflection
HeatDefinition: How much of the sun's energy bounces off the window film.
Why it matters: A higher % means more heat and light are sent away, keeping your home cooler. It's like a mirror pushing the sun's energy back outside.
Solar Absorption
HeatDefinition: How much of the sun's energy the window film soaks up, which can make the glass warm.
Why it matters: A lower absorption % lets less heat into your home, reducing AC use and keeping rooms comfortable in hot weather.
Light-to-Solar-Gain Ratio (LSG)
ComfortDefinition: How much natural light comes in compared to unwanted heat.
Why it matters: A higher number means you get a bright room without it getting too hot, so you enjoy daylight without high AC bills. Perfect for a sunny living room.
Emissivity
EnergyDefinition: How well the window film traps the heat your home generates — like from heaters or body heat.
Why it matters: A lower number means less heat escapes, keeping your home cozy and reducing heating costs. It's like keeping the warmth from your oven inside the kitchen.
U-Factor
EnergyDefinition: How easily heat escapes through your window.
Why it matters: A lower U-Factor means your home stays warmer in winter, so you use less heat and save on heating bills. Think of it like a cozy blanket for your windows.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to walk you through the specs and help you choose the right film for your home or business. Get in touch for a free consultation.