The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) published an article that discusses how energy saving window film can be a cost effective solution for hotels, or any commercial space, dealing with heat gain issues. The article uses the Department of Energy‘s Energy Saving Calculator to look at the return on investment of retrofitting existing windows with window film versus replacing the windows. According to their research, the analysis shows that a window film installation to existing windows would save enough on energy costs to pay for the job in roughly 2 years.
The article discusses the advantages of window film vs low-E windows by saying:
“There are two options: install new low-E windows or retrofit the existing windows with energy-saving film. A total window replacement with solar-control low-E windows does provide good energy savings; but is a relatively poor return on investment due to high material and installation costs. As a result, the return on investment for window film is faster than installing low-E windows.”
It goes on to say:
“..window film offers hoteliers a great return on their investment due to the combination of reduced solar heat gain and a low material/installation cost. Reduced solar heat gain equates to lower energy costs and material/labor costs for installation of the film is approximately $3.00-5.00 per square foot. Across all four U.S. climate zones, studies have shown that for each dollar available for window retrofit (energy saving film) or window replacement, energy-saving window film provides a greater energy cost savings than total window replacement with new low-E windows.
In reviewing the replacement of windows or retrofit of energy-savings film, the application of energy saving window film should be strongly considered in lieu of window replacement only if existing windows are functionally sound.”
The article used reference pieces from the Department of Energy and the EPA’s Energy Star websites for their research.
If you would like to read the entire article on their website and see their calculations, click HERE
If you would like to learn more about commercial window films that can upgrade your space, click HERE. If you have any questions, please contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to help and arrange a free, no obligation consultation with someone on our team if you are interested. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.