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.

South-Facing Windows: DOE Advice on Cutting Heat with Solar Film

Posted by The Window Place USA on Mar 17th 2026

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

The Challenge of Sun-Facing Exposures

Every homeowner knows that not all windows are created equal. Depending on the orientation of your house, certain rooms can become unbearably hot during the day. South-facing windows receive direct sunlight for the majority of the day, while west-facing windows get blasted by the intense, low-angle sun in the late afternoon.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that this intense solar exposure is a massive driver of high utility bills. During cooling seasons, "about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat" [1].

To combat this specific problem, the DOE offers targeted advice for homeowners dealing with problematic sun-facing exposures.

DOE Recommendations for South and West Windows

In its official guidance on windows, doors, and skylights, the DOE provides a specific "Warm Weather Window Tip" to help homeowners manage heat gain:

"Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain. In hot climates, consider adding them to east, west, and south-facing windows" [2].

By applying solar control film directly to the interior surface of these problem windows, the glass immediately begins rejecting the sun's infrared heat energy before it can enter the room. This dramatically reduces the cooling load on your air conditioning system.

The DOE further elaborates on this strategy in its window coverings guide, stating that "east- and west-facing windows, because of their greater potential for heat gain, can benefit more from these films" [1].

Improving Comfort Without Losing the View

The traditional method for dealing with a hot, south-facing room is to draw heavy curtains or lower blackout blinds. While this does block the sun, it also completely eliminates natural light and the view of the outdoors.

Window film is a vastly superior solution for these spaces. The DOE points out that surface-applied films "help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare" and are highly useful for "homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments" [1].

You can enjoy the expansive view from your west-facing living room without suffering through the blinding glare and stifling heat of the late afternoon sun.

A Low-Cost, DIY Retrofit

Dealing with hot, south-facing rooms does not require replacing the windows. The DOE acknowledges that these high-performance window films "are available for do-it-yourself projects" [1].

By purchasing a supply-only roll of NFRC-rated solar control film, you can easily apply the material to the specific windows causing the most trouble in your home. This targeted, DIY approach is the most cost-effective way to drastically improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your house.

The Window Place USA: Professional Sun Control

The Window Place USA supplies homeowners with the exact same professional-grade sun-control films recommended by the DOE. Reclaim your south and west-facing rooms with our easy-to-install, supply-only rolls.

Stop suffering through hot afternoons. Contact us today to find the perfect film for your sun-facing windows: inquiries@thewindowplaceusa.com | (866) 274-2769.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which windows should I put solar film on?
The DOE recommends applying sun-control films to south-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain. In hot climates, they also recommend adding them to east and west-facing windows [2].

Will window film make my room cooler?
Yes. By rejecting a massive percentage of the sun's infrared heat before it enters the room, solar control film directly lowers the temperature in sun-facing spaces.

Is it hard to install window film myself?
No. Window film is applied directly to the flat surface of the glass using a simple wet-application method. The DOE notes that window films are widely available for DIY projects [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