Choosing window film for your space
Start with what you want to improve, then compare brightness, heat rejection and actual glass conditions. A single high figure cannot determine the right product for every space.
What do the performance figures mean?
| Metric | Meaning | When comparing |
|---|---|---|
| VLT · Visible light transmission | The proportion of visible light passing through | Consider daylight, glare and indoor brightness together. |
| UVR · UV rejection | The proportion of ultraviolet radiation blocked | This is not heat rejection or a cooling-cost reduction percentage. Check the measured range. |
| IR · Infrared rejection | The proportion of infrared blocked within the measured range | Do not directly compare figures measured at different wavelengths or with different methods. |
| TSER · Total Solar Energy Rejected | A measure of total solar energy rejection | Distinguish it from IR and check glass conditions. It is not an electricity-cost savings percentage. |
| RL · Visible light reflectance | The proportion of visible light reflected | Distinguish exterior and interior reflectance and consider ambient brightness and appearance. |
| SC · Shading coefficient | A coefficient comparing solar heat gain with reference glass | Different from light transmission. Compare under the same test conditions. |
Common selection questions
How do insulating film and smart film differ?
Insulating films offer models with different brightness, reflectance and heat rejection. Smart films change state electrically. PDLC's clear/opaque switching differs from Q-EC's bright/dark switching.
Does high infrared rejection mean the same percentage off electricity bills?
No. Product performance figures cannot be converted directly into electricity savings. Heating and cooling use, glass area and orientation, building conditions and equipment all matter. Cases involving equipment replacement must not be interpreted as film-only effects.
What materials should I use to compare models?
Review each product's performance table together with its model-specific test report. Check sample names, report numbers and test conditions, and distinguish reference testing of 3 mm glass from film-model tests. Company certifications do not prove every performance claim for each model.
Do all films have the same warranty period?
Check the warranty for each product. A test duration is different from a product warranty period. Confirm installation environment and installation and care conditions during consultation.
Check product pricing and warrantiesWhat should I prepare when requesting an estimate?
Share the installation area, space use, glass width and height, quantity and concerns. The suitable product and final quotation depend on site conditions.
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