April 30, National Window Film Day, Educates Consumers on Energy Savings,One of Many Benefits of Professionally Installed Window Film

Washington, DC – March 25, 2014 – With climatologists predicting a hotter than normal summer, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) is filling a need in the market as both a consumer resource and a window film advocate by helping to establish National Window Film Day on April 30th.

The IWFA today released new data from a national survey conducted online by Harris Poll in late February 2014 among 3,034 U.S. adults ages 18+ that reveals the cooling benefits of window film are only familiar to 54 percent of Americans. Window film can make a tremendous impact by regulating interior temperatures and cutting heat transmission through windows in hot, sunny weather and may reduce cooling costs by 30 percent.

“April 30th is being designated to support awareness of window film and to shine a spotlight on the spectrum of benefits it provides consumers,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the nonprofit IWFA. Educational information on National Window Film Day can be accessed at www.iwfa.com.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), cooling and heating accounts for more than half of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most consumers. And roughly 40 percent of unwanted heat that builds up in a home comes in through windows, states the DOE.

Window Film has been proven as one of the most cost-effective means of reducing solar heat gain and it provides more natural lighting, to avoid closing shades and turning on electric lighting. However, 53 percent of Americans are unaware that window film allows natural light to enter a home’s interior, while offering energy savings, interior comfort and safety. Window film has a wide spectrum of shades, from barely noticeable, to smoky greys that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of windows or increase privacy if desired.

Additionally, 54 percent of Americans are unaware that window film can reduce the sun’s harsh glare throughout the home and only 43 percent know that it can reduce the penetration of UV rays through windows by 99 percent. This benefit can reduce the fading of furnishings, artwork and other precious décor due to UV exposure through windows.

Another benefit of window film a majority of Americans are unaware of is its safety properties. Only 27 percent know window film can help hold shattered glass together to reduce the chance of injury due to sharp shards of glass.