Summer Comfort In Your Home With XPEL Window Film

As summer temperatures begin to sizzle, most people grab their sunscreen and hats when they head outdoors. But what about reading your favorite book in that sunny nook in your home? Sadly, the same infrared heat and UV radiation present outside also threaten you in your home, infiltrating through unprotected windows. This creates a set of problems that many homeowners may not be aware of. Thankfully, there are solutions that can create a safe and cool environment at home. 

The Trouble With The Summer Sun

Unprotected residential windows create multiple challenges that compound throughout the day, affecting both immediate comfort and long-term health. 

• Excessive Heat and Uneven Cooling. It is called “solar heat gain,” and it can transform a home into a furnace in a hurry. With energy entering faster than air conditioning systems can remove it, the sun can create uncomfortable hot spots near windows and uneven temperatures throughout the home as AC units struggle to keep the home cool.  

• Dangerous UV Radiation Exposure. Even indoors, families face significant ultraviolet radiation exposure through unprotected windows, a major factor in skin damage. "If you have that comfy chair that you sit in every day, and it's eastern or western facing, if those windows aren't protected, that prolonged sunlight exposure will bring in harmful UV radiation," warns Andrew Diggins, XPEL Product Manager. 

• Unwanted Glare and Visual Discomfort. Bright sunlight streaming through windows creates an uncomfortable glare that makes it difficult to enjoy television, work on computers, or simply relax during peak sun hours. This forces families to choose between natural light and visual comfort, often leading to closed blinds and increased artificial lighting costs. UV radiation and thermal cycling can also destroy expensive interior furnishings. "Prolonged sunlight exposure brings in UV radiation, which causes furniture fading, flooring fading, and even expensive artwork can be ruined," Diggins notes.

Combatting The Sun At Home: Treating Symptoms Versus The Source

Typically, homeowners combat summer challenges through measures that address the effect rather than the cause. AC units and window blinds help regulate the temperature, but neither solution prevents solar energy from entering your home.

"Your AC unit is going to work harder in the summer and oftentimes lead to uneven cooling throughout the house. Blinds are going to block your view, and they're not going to stop solar heat from penetrating the glass,” explains Diggins. 

Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. When homeowners rely solely on HVAC systems and window coverings, they're fighting an uphill battle against physics – solar energy continues entering through unprotected glass regardless of how efficiently interior systems operate.

Solar Control Film Can Help Limit The Sun's Impact

XPEL Solar control window films are an innovative solution for homeowners looking to address all three challenges created by the summer sun. "We use advanced technologies like nano-ceramic particles or spectrally selective coatings that block the infrared heat and UV rays while maintaining visible light," Diggins explains. "This reduces energy costs, increases comfort, provides glare control, and protection against interior fading. All with enhanced privacy." 

Clearview Plus 70 represents XPEL's most popular residential option, offering 70% visible light transmission that appears virtually clear while delivering comprehensive protection. "It will look optically clear and you're still going to get all those benefits of reducing energy costs, increasing comfort, protection against fading, and enhancing your privacy," Diggins explains. Best of all, Clearview Plus 70 has the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation for blocking 99% of UV rays.

XPEL films don’t require homeowners to buy new windows. "XPEL Home and Office window films are compatible with nearly all existing residential and commercial windows," Diggins confirms. "Single pane, double pane, low-E, laminated, tempered – you name it. No need for costly replacements." 

Government Incentives

Many local governments recognize residential window film as an effective energy efficiency upgrade through various incentive programs that can significantly reduce installation costs. These programs offer rebates that can discount the price of efficiency retrofits for single-family homes. "Many municipalities offer energy efficiency rebates for solar film," Diggins notes. "When we talk about ROI, that really helps you get closer to that payback a lot faster." 

Want to find out how much you may qualify for? Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for the latest state and federal incentives and rebates.