Is The Window Place USA an authorized vendor for government window film procurement?

Yes. The Window Place USA is a SAM.gov-registered vendor (CAGE Code: 52MH9, DUNS: 807327700) and an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain SolarGard architectural window films. We accept GSA SmartPay and P-Cards for federal and municipal procurement of ASTM F1642-compliant Armorcoat blast mitigation films and solar control films.

Which window film is recommended for school safety and delayed intrusion?

For school safety applications, we recommend SolarGard Armorcoat Safety and Security Window Film in 8-Mil or 14-Mil thicknesses. These films are tested to delay forced entry, buying critical time for law enforcement response, and hold shattered glass together to minimize injury during impact events. Both the 8-Mil and 14-Mil products are certified to ASTM F1642 blast mitigation standards.

Does SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E qualify for the Federal Energy Tax Credit?

SolarGard Ecolux 70 Low-E window film may qualify for the 30% Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (Section 25C, IRS Form 5695) under the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying residential installations through December 31, 2032, subject to an annual cap of $1,200. Consult your tax advisor to confirm eligibility for your specific installation.

Does The Window Place USA ship window film to all 50 states?

Yes. The Window Place USA ships factory-sealed SolarGard master rolls via FedEx Ground and Freight to all 50 states. Orders placed before 2:00 PM EST are eligible for same-day dispatch. We do not offer overnight or expedited shipping options.

How Window Film Lowers Your Utility Bills: A DOE Cost-Saving Guide

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy. Update or Replace Windows. Retrieved from [https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows). U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Efficient Window Coverings. Public domain.

The High Cost of Unprotected Glass

For most homeowners, heating and cooling represent the largest portion of their monthly utility bills. But what many fail to realize is just how much of that money is literally going out the window.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), "heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use" [1].

When the summer sun beats down on unprotected glass, your air conditioning system has to work overtime to compensate for the influx of solar heat. To stop this financial drain, the DOE recommends retrofitting existing windows with solar control window film.

Reducing the HVAC Workload

The primary way window film saves you money is by directly reducing the workload on your HVAC system. In its guide to energy-efficient window coverings, the DOE explains that window films applied to the glazing surface "help block against solar heat gain" [2].

By acting as a highly efficient thermal shield, the film rejects the sun's infrared heat before it enters your home. This means your air conditioner doesn't have to cycle on as frequently or run as long to maintain a comfortable temperature.

The DOE notes that these films are "best used in climates with long cooling seasons" because they drastically cut the amount of energy required to cool the house [2].

A Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacement

When homeowners realize how inefficient their current windows are, they often assume they need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a full window replacement. However, the DOE advises that if your existing windows are in good condition, adding solar control film is often "the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs" [1].

Cost-Saving Comparison	Window Replacement	Window Film Retrofit
Upfront Cost	Extremely High ($15k - $30k+)	Very Low
Energy Savings	Yes	Yes (Addresses the 25-30% loss)
Installation Labor	High (Contractor required)	None (DIY friendly)
Return on Investment	Decades	Often just a few years

Maximize Your Savings with DIY Rolls

The key to maximizing your return on investment is to minimize the upfront cost. The DOE acknowledges that window films "are available for do-it-yourself projects" [2].

By purchasing a supply-only roll of professional-grade solar control film, you bypass the expensive labor costs associated with contracted installations. You pay only for the high-performance material, allowing the energy savings on your utility bills to pay for the upgrade in a fraction of the time.

The Window Place USA: Professional Grade Savings

The Window Place USA provides homeowners with the exact same NFRC-rated window films used in commercial energy retrofits. Stop overpaying your utility company.

Lower your cooling bills today with our easy-to-install, supply-only rolls. Contact us to find the right film for your home: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will window film really lower my electric bill?
Yes. Because windows are responsible for up to 30% of residential cooling energy use, blocking solar heat gain with window film directly reduces the amount of electricity your air conditioner consumes [1].

Does the DOE recommend window film for saving money?
Yes. The DOE explicitly lists "add solar control film" as a cost-effective step to improve window efficiency and save money on energy costs [1].

Can I install energy-saving window film myself?
Yes. The DOE notes that window films are widely available for DIY projects, making them an excellent low-cost upgrade for homeowners [2].

References

[1] U.S. Department of Energy. "Update or Replace Windows." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. "Energy Efficient Window Coverings." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings