Energy efficiency is an important aspect to consider when constructing, managing, and renovating commercial buildings. Commercial buildings account for a significant proportion of the United States’ energy usage due to inefficient building practices. In fact, the average office building spends an excess of $30,000 on energy each year. With this in mind, project managers, architects, and property managers are increasingly looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of historically-built properties.

When constructing a brand new building, it’s relatively easy to plan the project with energy efficiency in mind from the outset. However, what do you do when you want to improve an older building’s energy efficiency? 

What Makes a Building Inefficient?

As time goes on, buildings inevitably need upgrades. While our minds typically jump to cosmetic improvements to keep up with design trends, we often don’t consider the upgrades required of the building’s operational infrastructure. For instance, the average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10 to 25 years. An old HVAC system and air leaks through doors and windows due to poor insulation can make older buildings incredibly inefficient. 

HVAC systems and building insulation go hand in hand. While a brand new HVAC system seems like a quick fix, inefficient windows can cause excessive wear and tear on HVAC systems as they attempt to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. When it inevitably comes time to improve a building’s infrastructure, it can be a potentially costly and time-consuming venture. Property managers and architects must consider a project’s time and budget constraints. Not to mention, current occupants may need to be displaced when you decide to retrofit your building, resulting in additional costs. If an expeditious yet cost-effective solution is required to transform your historic building into a more energy-efficient structure, property managers and architects can turn to 3M Window Film as a solution.

The Ultimate Energy-Saving Solution: 3M Window Film

What Makes Windows Inefficient?

Windows can significantly contribute to building inefficiency no matter the season. In the heat of summer, the sun’s heat can pass through windows, causing glare and stifling indoor temperatures. On the other hand, poorly insulated windows allow manmade heat to escape in the cool winter months. Not only does this impact interior temperatures, but it also causes HVAC systems to work overtime to keep occupants comfortable. 

Experience Energy Efficiency & Lower Energy Bills with 3M Window Film 

With 3M Window Film, you can achieve increased tenant comfort, improved energy efficiency, and lower energy bills while adding years to the life of HVAC systems. In fact, the Department of Energy considers 3M Window Film a top-tier energy saving solution with a payback period as short as 3 years. Earn LEED credits for your building with window film, as it helps reduce energy use and carbon emissions. In particular, 3M Insulating and Temperature Control Window Films can help you achieve energy savings and comfortable temperatures year-round, improving your space’s insulation. These films can increase a single-pane window’s energy efficiency to that of a double-pane and a double-pane to a triple. Rather than replacing your windows completely to keep up with energy efficiency requirements, 3M Window Film maintains the charm of old buildings’ windows while also upgrading their performance. In addition, window films are available in a variety of tint levels, so you can continue to welcome natural light into your space while rejecting up to 99% of UV rays and up to 97% of infrared light (900-1,000nm). 

With a seamless professional installation process, window film proves to be far less disruptive than many other energy-efficiency solutions. When you need a cost-effective and timely resolution to your historical building’s energy efficiency problems, 3M Window Film can get the job done.