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The DOE Energy Efficient House Tour: Why Low-E Window Film is a Must-Have

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Efficient House Tour. Retrieved from [https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-house-tour](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-house-tour). U.S. Department of Energy. Windows, Doors, and Skylights. Public domain.

Small Improvements, Big Savings

When homeowners think about making their houses more energy-efficient, they often picture massive, expensive projects: tearing out the drywall to add insulation, installing solar panels, or replacing the entire HVAC system.

However, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) emphasizes that major renovations aren't the only way to lower your utility bills. In its interactive Energy Efficient House Tour, the DOE notes that "even small improvements can be meaningful for home energy savings" [1].

One of the specific "small improvements" the DOE recommends during this tour is the application of low-emissivity (Low-E) window film.

Stopping Heat from Escaping

While standard solar control films are designed primarily to keep the summer heat out, Low-E films are engineered to perform a dual function. The DOE's House Tour explicitly advises homeowners to "apply low-e film on windows to keep heat from escaping" [1].

In its broader guidance on windows, doors, and skylights, the DOE reiterates this point as a key "Cold Weather Window Tip," instructing homeowners to "apply low-e film on the inside of your windows to keep heat from radiating out" [2].

How does this save you money? During the winter months, your furnace works hard to generate heat. Unprotected glass acts as a thermal bridge, allowing that expensive heat to bleed right out into the cold night air. A Low-E film acts like a thermal mirror, reflecting the radiant heat back into the room and drastically reducing your heating costs.

Year-Round Financial Benefits

The beauty of Low-E window film is that it provides a return on investment 365 days a year.

Season How Low-E Film Saves You Money
Winter Keeps expensive furnace heat from radiating out through the glass, lowering heating bills [2].
Summer Rejects incoming solar heat gain, reducing the workload on your air conditioning system [2].

This makes Low-E film an incredibly versatile and cost-effective upgrade, especially for homeowners living in mixed climates with both hot summers and freezing winters.

An Accessible DIY Upgrade

The DOE's House Tour is designed to highlight accessible options that make sense for the average homeowner. Upgrading to Low-E window film fits perfectly into this category because it does not require a contractor.

By purchasing a supply-only roll of professional-grade Low-E film, you can easily apply the material to the interior of your windows yourself. This DIY approach allows you to achieve the exact energy savings recommended by the DOE for a fraction of the cost of buying new factory-sealed Low-E windows.

The Window Place USA: Year-Round Efficiency

The Window Place USA provides homeowners with access to premium, NFRC-rated Low-E window films. Stop letting your hard-earned money escape through the glass.

Make the small improvements that lead to big savings. Order your supply-only rolls today: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Low-E window film?
Low-emissivity (Low-E) window film is a specialized coating applied to glass that reflects radiant heat. It keeps winter heat inside and summer heat outside.

Does the DOE recommend Low-E film?
Yes. In its Energy Efficient House Tour and cold weather window tips, the DOE explicitly recommends applying low-e film to keep heat from radiating out of the home [1][2].

Can I install Low-E film myself?
Yes. Supply-only rolls of Low-E film are designed for easy DIY application on the interior surface of your existing windows.

References

[1] U.S. Department of Energy. "Energy Efficient House Tour." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-house-tour
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. "Windows, Doors, and Skylights." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/windows-doors-and-skylights