Frequently Asked Questions

Window Film is a low-cost, high-return energy conservation measure made of micro-thin layers of film combined with high performance coatings that bond to the glass surface.

Adding Window Film upgrades your existing windows by improving energy efficiency, cutting glare, and reducing damage to furniture due to fading. It also helps make occupants feel more comfortable within a home or commercial building.

Most windows can be filmed in 15 minutes with minimal or no disruption to building occupants.

Window Film is around $5-10 per square foot installed, which is only 5-10% of the cost of window replacement depending on the application.

The energy savings depend on many factors, such as the existing type of glass, existence of overhangs, your location (climate), and energy rates in your area. However, for most buildings, high-performance window films can reduce energy costs from 5 to 15%. Use our Energy Savings Calculator to estimate your savings.

Though they provide similar energy savings, window films are much cheaper to install than replacement window – about 5-10% of the cost. Therefore, the capital investment is much lower for window film. Many projects produce a simple payback in less than three years (when including utility company rebates) – equivalent to a 33% return on investment! Use our Energy Savings Calculator to estimate how much you could save.

The installation of window films is very safe. We provide our installers with a list of recommended applications and are confident that the applications are safe when the recommendations are followed. Plus, we provide warranties against glass breakage and seal failure.

In many cases, there is so much solar heat gain before window films are installed that shades or blinds must be kept closed. By applying energy-saving window film, blinds and shades can remain open, allowing more light into the building than before film installation. Plus, window films come in a variety of light transmissions, from very dark (0% light transmission) to very light (80% light transmission).

Films with high Luminous Efficacies, also known as Spectrally-Selective Films, can be the best film in many applications. However, the solar heat rejection of these products is typically less than the highest performance films, so they offer less savings on air-conditioning costs. In addition, films higher in light transmission offer less in the way of glare reduction.

Many utilities offer specific rebates for window film installation for both residential and commercial applications. Often window film is specifically listed as one of the rebate-eligible products. Other times window film qualifies under the “Custom Measures” option (commercial applications only).

According to U.S. Department of Energy statistics, solar heat gain through windows is responsible for about one third of a building’s cooling costs. Energy-saving window film that can reduce solar heat gain by 75% or more can significantly reduce the run time of air-conditioning systems or allow them to operate at lower load conditions. This can reduce cooling costs in commercial buildings by as much as 30%, lengthen HVAC equipment life, lower maintenance costs for air-conditioning systems, and allow for replacement of cooling equipment with smaller, less expensive equipment.

Most films carry a 10 or 15-year warranty for non-residential installations. Warranties include total film replacement, including labor and materials. Many of our films are on the job, still providing energy savings and improved comfort, 20 years after installation.

In fact, window films can assist with as many as 9 LEED Certification points (out of the 32 required for Silver LEED Certification). For more information about Vista Window Films and LEED Certification, see www.usgbc.org/leed. The energy savings provided by Vista films can also assist buildings with their Energy Star Labeling requirements.

A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay.

Window Film helps combat the problems of fading, glare and damage to furniture. Most importantly, it helps make occupants feel more comfortable in the room.

The sun will often damage window treatments such as draperies, curtains, blinds and shades. Window film helps protect furnishings, including window treatments.

No. Window Film will maintain the natural colors of your interior spaces. With less need for draperies, curtains, blinds, and shades, rooms may actually brighten significantly.

Yes. Up to 75% of the heat is rejected by Window Film. You need not be afraid of installing beautiful windows for fear of too much heat.

Absolutely. Window film reduces glare and helps eliminate eye fatigue.

If the window breaks, the window film should hold the glass in place, thus reducing an incidence of injury or damage to furnishings.

Yes. Window Film is professionally installed and can fit virtually any size and shape of flat-glass window.

Professionally installed Window Film comes with a lifetime warranty against cracking, peeling, adhesive failure or demetallizing.