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.

Save Energy in Any Season: DOE Guidance on Year-Round Window Film

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Efficient Window Coverings. Retrieved from [https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings). U.S. Department of Energy. Windows, Doors, and Skylights. Public domain.

The Myth of the "Summer Only" Upgrade

When most homeowners think of window film, they picture a dark tint designed exclusively to block the blistering summer sun. While it is true that solar control films are incredibly effective at rejecting heat during the hottest months, modern window film technology is far more advanced.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the right type of window film can actually provide substantial energy savings and lower utility bills 365 days a year, regardless of the season.

Summer Savings: Blocking Solar Heat Gain

In the summer, your air conditioning system is constantly fighting against the heat pouring through your windows. The DOE notes that "about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat" [1].

To combat this, the DOE recommends applying sun-control films, which "help block against solar heat gain" [1]. By acting as a shield, the film prevents the sun's infrared energy from entering the room, drastically reducing the cooling load on your HVAC system and lowering your summer electric bills.

The DOE specifically advises applying these films to south, east, and west-facing windows to maximize cooling efficiency [2].

Winter Savings: Retaining Furnace Heat

The real secret to year-round savings lies in Low-Emissivity (Low-E) window films. These specialized films don't just block heat from the outside; they also reflect heat from the inside.

During the winter, your home loses a massive amount of expensive furnace heat through the glass. In its official guidance, the DOE recommends that homeowners "apply low-e film on the inside of your windows to keep heat from radiating out" [2].

By acting as a thermal mirror, the Low-E film bounces the radiant heat back into the room, reducing the workload on your heating system and lowering your winter gas or electric bills.

A Single, Low-Cost Upgrade

The beauty of Low-E window film is that a single installation provides this dual-climate benefit. You do not need to switch out your window treatments when the seasons change.

Season	The Problem	The Window Film Solution
Summer	Solar heat enters the home, driving up AC costs.	Rejects incoming solar heat gain, lowering cooling bills [1].
Winter	Furnace heat escapes through the glass, driving up heating costs.	Reflects radiant heat back into the room, lowering heating bills [2].

Furthermore, achieving these year-round savings is incredibly affordable. The DOE notes that window films "are available for do-it-yourself projects" [1]. By purchasing a supply-only roll and applying the film yourself, you avoid expensive labor costs and ensure the fastest possible return on your investment.

The Window Place USA: Year-Round Efficiency

The Window Place USA supplies homeowners with the exact same premium, dual-climate Low-E window films recommended by the DOE. Stop paying high utility bills in both the summer and the winter.

Upgrade your home's efficiency today with our easy-to-install, supply-only rolls. Contact us to find the right film: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does window film only save money in the summer?
No. While standard solar films primarily block summer heat, Low-E (low-emissivity) films also reflect radiant heat back into the room during the winter, providing year-round energy savings [2].

What does the DOE recommend for winter window efficiency?
The DOE explicitly recommends applying low-e film on the inside of windows to keep heat from radiating out during cold weather [2].

Can I install dual-climate window film myself?
Yes. The DOE notes that window films are widely available for DIY projects, making them a cost-effective way to achieve year-round savings [1].

References

[1] U.S. Department of Energy. "Energy Efficient Window Coverings." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-coverings
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. "Windows, Doors, and Skylights." Energy Saver. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/windows-doors-and-skylights