3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Films

Improve the Insulation of Residential & Commercial Windows

3M Company holds the original window film patent dating back to 1966. Since then, window film has evolved significantly in appearance and function thanks to technological advancements.

In 2016, 3M introduced Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film, a nearly invisible solution designed to improve window insulation year-round. It helps block solar heat during the summer while retaining indoor heat during the winter, improving overall temperature regulation inside the building.

This film can help maintain a more consistent indoor environment without compromising natural light or appearance. It performs similarly to adding an extra pane of glass, but at a fraction of the cost and without the need for full window replacement.

By improving insulation at the glass level, 3M Thinsulate window film can also reduce strain on HVAC systems, helping them operate more efficiently while supporting a more comfortable residential or commercial space throughout the year.

At a Glance

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Reduce Heating & Cooling Bills

Like adding an extra pane of glass

Nearly Invisible

Warrantied by 3M

Impact of 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film

The 3M-owned brand name, Thinsulate, is appropriate for this innovative film as the term suggests insulation from extreme weather. Just think of Thinsulate gloves, scarves, hats, and boots. Its effect on existing windows is significant; especially when you consider that it is approximately the same thickness as a Post-it Note and not an extra piece of glass separated by a ½” air gap.

Impact on U-Value & SHGC

The table below illustrates the impact of Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film on the U-Value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of standard clear glass window units. The numbers speak for themselves. Adding 3M Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film lowers a window’s SHGC and U-Value considerably, almost to the same extent as replacing single pane glass with double pane, or double pane glass with triple pane.

Window Type	U-Value Before	U-Value After	Improvement	SHGC Before	SHGC After	Improvement
Single Pane (1/4")	1.03	0.62	40%	0.82	0.53	35%
Double Pane (1/4", 1/2" air gap, 1/4")	0.47	0.35	26%	0.70	0.51	27%

The Value Proposition

3M’s Thinsulate Climate Control Window Film presents a compelling value proposition to commercial buildings looking for envelope retrofits to comply with carbon footprint reduction mandates such as New York City’s Local Law 97, Boston’s Building Energy Reduction and Disclosure (BERDO), and Washington’s Clean Energy DC. Window replacement is the typical solution for those commercial decision-makers looking to increase the efficiency of their buildings’ curtain wall glazing. However, window replacement is expensive, disruptive to tenants, and may have load implications if the building’s structure is unable to withstand the additional weight. Consider the following options:

Cost of window replacement

$5,000 per pane

Cost of
window insert

$2,000 per pane

Cost of 3M Thinsulate Window Film

$500 per pane

From an efficiency standpoint, window replacement is usually most effective. Neither inserts (think of a sophisticated storm window) nor window films will offer the same energy performance. And window film will rarely offer the same performance as inserts. However, the increased performance of window replacement and inserts comes at a price. 3M Thinsulate represents a 90% savings over window replacement and a 75% savings over window inserts.

A diagram showing how window film reduces energy consumption in the warmer months when air conditioning is in use

Cooling Season

During the cooling season (hotter months), window film increases the amount of the sun’s incident energy that is reflected and absorbed by the glass, thereby reducing what is transmitted into the building.

A diagram showing how window film reduces energy consumption in the cooler months when heating is in use

Heating Season

During the heating season (colder months), window film increases the amount of man-made heat from the HVAC system that is reflected back inside the glass, thereby reducing what is lost to the outside.

Product Information

Film Construction	Polyester
Film Thickness	3.5 mils (.0035”)
Roll Widths	36”, 60” & 72”
Adhesive Type	Pressure Sensitive (PSA)
Warranty	Residential: Limited Lifetime Commercial/Government: 15 Years
Do you need to be a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer to purchase?	Yes - Not Yet a Dealer? Apply - Already a Dealer? Purchase Online
Architectural Specifications	3M Thinsulate Architectural Specifications
Brochure	Residential Brochure Commercial Brochure
Technical Data Sheet	3M Thinsulate Technical Data Sheet
Warranty	Commercial/ Government Warranty Residential Warranty
Family Card	3M Thinsulate Family Card