The scorching heat is hard on our bodies, moods and electric bills. Every night when I reach home, I immediately switch on the air-conditioner. My living hall and bedrooms are under strong sun rays in the afternoon, as a result, they feel like oven at night. #mad
Therefore, I re-visited the thought of installing solar films that can block the heat and cool down our home. Truth be told, we briefly considered about it when we started our home renovation back in Dec’15. We received many samples and flyers from various window film contractors in our mailbox.
Just like many new home-owners, we were rather budget-conscious. After all, solar film isn’t something that we can see, nor enhance our home aesthetically. It also doesn’t come cheap. Moreover, we’ve indoor and outdoor blinds. We thought that they should be sufficient to reduce the heat and glare, so we shelved the plan for solar film.
After moving-in for half a year, I realized that I was wrong. Blinds can only block the glare of the sun (not the heat!) and for privacy. The morning sun getting into Edison’s room is far worse than I’ve expected. Our poor boy was soaking under the morning sun. The strong sunlight also creates hot spots in his room, making it warm and uncomfortable.
Morning sun at Edison’s bedroom. Blinds can only block the glare by 60%, but not the intense heat.
Our master bedroom, on the other hand, has a different facing. The late afternoon sun heats it up to a point that is totally unbearable for me. Our study room is also very warm even when the blinds are completely rolled down. Due to the heat, Edison does his homework at the dining table during the day.
The unbearable heat forced us to look for solar films again. I heard from my neighbour who has installed 3M Prestige Window Films that it works and they experienced a significant difference in heat reduction.
There are many solar films in the market that provides similar benefits but to varying degrees of efficiency. Most of them offer 99% UV Rejection, but other characteristics like Visible Light Transmission, Solar Energy Rejection, Infrared Rejection, etc. vary. The price range is also quite huge.
We weren’t looking for the cheapest solar film, but one that performs best in heat reduction. We decided to go for 3M Prestige Window Films since it was highly recommended by my neighbour. Moreover, 3M is a trusted global brand. I’ve full confidence in them.
Phase 1: Consultation
So, I called up Jestac, an authorized distributor of 3M Window Films, to fix an appointment for on-site consultation (at no cost or obligation). The sales representative showed me various types of window films, their performance specifications and benefits. He also shared with me some tips on what to look out for when choosing a window film.
As my main concern was heat, he recommended the 3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films which is excellent in rejecting heat and increasing comfort in our home. He also explained in details the key benefits of this film and what to expect before-and-after the installation.
In the end, we decided to go for 3M Prestige Window Films – PR40, the film that offers the highest heat rejection out of the Prestige Series, as approved by our condo’s management.
3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films – PR40
Visible Light Transmitted 39%
Total Solar Energy Rejected 60%
Infrared Rejected 97%
UV Rejected 99.9%
